Trauma Reactions of Bystanders and Victims to Repetitive Abuse Experiences

Abstract

This study investigated psychological distress as measured by the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and physiological reactivity as measured by skin conductance and heart rate in bystanders as compared to direct victims of prevalent forms of repetitive abuse (e.g., bullying). Participants (N = 77) were interviewed twice: once to recall witnessing another person be abused repeatedly over time, and again to recall similar experiences as a victim. Present levels for bystander and victim distress were not significantly different, but distress levels were significantly greater for victim experiences at the time the repetitive abuse occurred. Scores for both groups were comparable to or exceeded scores associated with natural disasters and other life threatening experiences reported in the literature. Findings suggest repetitive abuse may affect bystanders and victims in similarly serious ways at the time the events occur and later in life.

Workplace bullying and post-traumatic stress symptoms among family physicians in Lithuania: An occupation and region specific approach

“…This set of repetitive stressful life events leads to a severe psychological discomfort including strong feeling of fear or even hopelessness [5]. In line with this, earlier studies have also shown that symptoms found among targets of workplace bullying can be compatible with that of post-traumatic stress [1], and numerous studies confirm the associations between workplace bullying and severe mental health problems including posttraumatic stress symptoms [2,53]. Such findings, and not Yet, it also shows that experiences and outcomes of workplace bullying may be hidden within other health related problems at work or in one's daily life or personal habits and characteristics.…”

“…Other studies have shown that post-traumatic stress symptoms are prevalent in 63-76% of all victims of severe bullying [1,53]. A Swedish study based on patients at a rehabilitation clinic for victims of workplace bullying showed that 59 out of 64 patients were diagnosed with PTSD [13].…”

“…Furthermore, the study employs well known and much used measures of both bullying and post-traumatic symptoms. The IES-R measure has been used in studies on post-traumatic stress after bullying experience [1][2][3]17,53] and has shown good psychometric properties [43]. Perceived victimization from workplace bullying in the present study was assessed by a self-report method according to a given bullying definition [2,44] asking if the physicians experienced bullying during the last 6 months, followed by a question regarding the frequency of the experienced bullying (occasional, severe (if it was experienced on the weekly basis).…”

Social Dominance in Childhood and Its Evolutionary Underpinnings: Why It Matters and What We Can Do

“…35 Most of the costs to bullying, however, are borne by the victims and other children who witness the harassment but feel powerless against it. 36 In fact, the 3 most robust sources of stress that negatively impact health stem from power differentials: low social status, lack of friends, and stress early in life. 20 This scenario is exactly the plight of the bullied child.…”

Did the Ugly Duckling Have PTSD? Bullying, Its Effects, and the Role of Pediatricians

“…Bystanders who witness bullying may experience mental health consequences (eg, distress) as well. 36,37 The American Academy of Pediatrics and other major professional organizations have issued policy statements recognizing bullying as a serious medical and public health issue that pediatricians and other clinicians should address jointly with parents, educators, and community organizations. [38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Professional organizations recommend that clinicians take concrete steps to respond to bullying.…”