Workplace bullying and different levels of post‐traumatic stress symptoms of nurses: A quantile regression approach for effective coping strategies

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to investigate effects of workplace bullying on different post‐traumatic stress symptoms and coping among hospital nurses. Background Workplace bullying is a traumatic event that negatively affects the quality of patient care and nurses’ mental health. Method This cross‐sectional, correlational study used an online survey among hospital nurses. Ordinary least square and quantile regression analyses were conducted using Stata version 16. Results The study included 233 registered nurses from South Korea who had provided direct care to patients in a hospital for at least 6 months. Overall, 28% self‐identified as victims or witnesses and 37% as victims and witnesses simultaneously. ‘Victim’ and ‘passive coping’ were significantly associated with the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles groups of post‐traumatic stress symptoms, while ‘witness’ was significant in the 95th percentile group. Conclusion Our study findings explore nurses’ workplace bullying, detect high‐risk subgroups and suggest the development of coping interventions for reducing workplace bullying and post‐traumatic stress symptoms. Implications for Nursing Management The study identified associations among bullying experience types, severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms and passive coping. It is critical to explore traumatic experience types and severity of post‐traumatic stress symptoms for nurses at risk of workplace bullying.

Consequences and coping strategies of nurses and registered nurses perceiving to work in an environment characterized by workplace bullying

“…As suggested by Lucena et al [ 38 ], in the health care sector, workers in environment characterized by WPB are willing to accept the problem and suggest that victims ignore the problem (downplaying and denying the misconduct) or make a positive break (e.g., behaving differently in the workplace). These findings were confirmed by Wunnenberg [ 35 ] and Hong et al [ 39 ]. In the study conducted by Wunnenberg [ 36 ], the results showed that nurses in a WPB context use a variety of coping strategies, including trying to solve the problem, seeking social support (e.g.…”

Comparing workplace violence among nurses and other professionals using online articles: A social network analysis

“…For hospital nurses, the aspects of the work environment that contribute to workplace violence include shift‐based work, demanding workloads, inadequate organisational support, a hierarchical structure, and frequent emergency situations (Al‐Maskari et al, 2020; International Council of Nurses, 2017; Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea, 2018). Although previous studies have examined the occurrences of workplace violence, violence‐related factors such as job outcomes, and health effects of nursing occupation, few studies have compared occupational contexts of violence (Al‐Maskari et al, 2020; Chang & Cho, 2016; Ebrahimi et al, 2017; Hong, Kim, Choi, & Park, 2021; Hong, Kim, Nam, et al, 2021). Comparing workplace violence in other occupations to workplace violence in the nursing profession can help identify the characteristics unique to workplace violence among nurses.…”

Impact of Workplace Mistreatment on Employees’ Health and Well-Being in Chinese Firms: A Systematic Review

“…Ten studies did not specify the perpetrator but reported the highest level of anxiety (Duru et al, 2018; Shi et al, 2018), emotional exhaustion (Sui et al, 2019; Tong et al, 2019), burnout, depression (X. Li & Wu, 2021; Sui et al, 2019) and stress (Chan et al, 2008; Hong et al, 2021; Pien et al, 2015; Shaffer et al, 2000). Mistreatment triggered higher levels of negative affect ( r = .29, p < .001) and anger r . − = 0.15) compared to negative mood ( r = .10, p < .05).…”