Revealing the Confluences: Workplace Bullying and Suicidality Independent of Depression Presence

Abstract

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 12,541 employees aged 19–65 across 26 companies and public institutions who underwent workplace mental health screening. Workplace bullying, categorized into non-exposure, high-risk, and targeted groups, was self-reported. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, and suicidality was measured via a self-reported questionnaire from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that 18.7% of women and 10.6% of men experienced bullying. High-risk and targeted bullying were significantly associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.27–1.69; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.36–2.40) and suicide attempts (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.34–3.85; OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.13–9.21). The association between bullying and suicidal ideation was significant for participants with and without depression (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.28–1.69; OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.31–2.62). Men exhibited a stronger correlation (p for interaction < 0.001). Increased exposure to workplace bullying linked to higher suicidality risk, irrespective of depression status. The study highlights the need for companies to screen for bullying and provide mental health resources to prevent workplace-related suicides.