Short Term Effects of Gossip Behavior on Self-Esteem

Abstract

Gossip is a frequent social activity, yet there is little research on the experience of providing gossip and how it impacts upon well-being of the gossiper. The present research aimed to investigate the effect of gossip behavior on the self-esteem of the gossiper. In Study 1, 140 participants were asked to write either a positive or negative description of a target person. Selfesteem was significantly reduced after providing a negative description but not after providing a positive one. In Study 2, 112 participants were asked to share information about someone they knew. Self-esteem decreased significantly regardless of the valence of the information. This research suggests that the act of gossiping is one which leads to self-criticism regardless of valence.

‘Shh … quiet! Here they come.’ Black employees as targets of office gossip

“…It seemed that gossip was used by white employees as a way of undermining workplace confidence in black employees or the esteem in which they were held. By criticising the work performance of black colleagues, accusing them of loafing on the job, and inciting students to be critical of their performance, gossipers attempted to destroy targets" reputations (Beersma & Van Kleef, 2011;Cole & Scrivener, 2013). As has been pointed out by Hess and Hagen Running head: Racialising gossip 12 (2006), individuals gossip about others as they derive pleasure from discovering and discussing the shortcomings and mistakes of others.…”

Cybergossip and cyberbullying during primary school years

“…For gossip to flourish, one must belong to a social group where trust among its members prevails, sharing the same values and standards, which in turn facilitates the delivery, interpretation, evaluation, and spread of gossip. Moreover, this talk, in a cybergossip setting, needs to be short and to the point acceptable and interesting (Cole & Scrivener, 2013;Dunbar, 2004;Levin & Arluke, 1987;McAndrew, 2014). Finally, it is imperative that the other person who is being spoken about behind their back is familiar to the group and onlookers (Guerin & Miyazaki, 2003;McDonald et al, 2007;Rosnow & Fine, 1976).…”

Employee’s Perception on Workplace Gossip in the South African Public Sectors: The Implication on Job Performance

“…Thus, the performance of that individual who is a gossip target might negatively impair. Cole and Scrivener (2013), supports this finding as she pinpoints that excessively and overwhelming workplace gossip can further threaten the organizational performance. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that this analysis has focused on a particular type and source of workplace gossip.…”

“…Pathak (2014), point out that WG might also tarnish the organizational norms severely and in that the employee's wellbeing may equally be compromised. Cole and Scrivener (2013), argues that the absence of organisational norms expose employees to workplace bullying through workplace gossip. The vacuum left by the organisational norms enables other employees to take advantage of the situation by bullying others in the form of gossip.…”