Experience of workplace psychological harassment

Abstract

Background. In most countries workplace psychological harassment is a pronounced problem resulting in a number of negative consequences both for individuals and organizations. Profound understanding of this phenomenon may help foresee the start of psychological harassment, thereby protecting the employees and the very organization from negative consequences. Psychological harassment is mostly researched by using quantitative methods. It is important to reveal the manifestation of this phenomenon via the unique and individual experience of people who have undergone workplace psychological harassment. Purpose. To reveal the experience of people who have been affected by workplace psychological harassment. Methods. The participants were five people from 28 to 65 years old. All participants have experienced psychological harassment at work for at least 5 months. The data were collected through semi-structured interview. An interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to achieve the goal. Results and conclusions. People who have experienced workplace psychological harassment tend to feel guilty and underestimate themselves. The analysis revealed the occurrence of this phenomenon which affects the dignity of a person: screaming, harsh / abusive communication, etc. The participants who suffered from workplace psychological harassment have experienced a variety of negative psychological consequences: strong, deep emotional reactions, such as despair, guilt, helplessness, etc. The analysis has also revealed the psychical consequences caused by painful experience: headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, etc.