Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Exploring the Relationship between Workplace Bullying and Depression: A Study of Korean Employees, with a Focus on Gender Differences

Sra Jung
,
Heejun Lee
,
Mi Yeon Lee
ORCID logo ,
Sang-Won Jeon
,
Dong-Won Shin
,
Young-Chul Shin
,
Kang-Seob Oh
,
Min-Kyoung Kim
* ,
Sung Joon Cho
*
Version 1 : Received: 13 September 2023 / Approved: 14 September 2023 / Online: 15 September 2023 (08:28:38 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Jung, S.; Lee, H.-J.; Lee, M.Y.; Kim, E.S.; Jeon, S.-W.; Shin, D.-W.; Shin, Y.-C.; Oh, K.-S.; Kim, M.-K.; Cho, S.J. Gender Differences in the Association between Workplace Bullying and Depression among Korean Employees. Brain Sci. 2023, 13, 1486. Jung, S.; Lee, H.-J.; Lee, M.Y.; Kim, E.S.; Jeon, S.-W.; Shin, D.-W.; Shin, Y.-C.; Oh, K.-S.; Kim, M.-K.; Cho, S.J. Gender Differences in the Association between Workplace Bullying and Depression among Korean Employees. Brain Sci. 2023, 13, 1486.

Abstract

Workplace bullying is a prevalent issue with a significant impact on employees’ mental health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace bullying and the prevalence of depression with a particular focus on the role of gender. A total of 12,344 Korean employees aged 19–65 years were included in the study. They completed questionnaires including the Korean version of the Occupational Stress Scale, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A score of 16 or higher in CES-D indicated depression. The association between workplace bullying and depression was analyzed using logistic regression analyses. The average CES-D scores were higher for both male and female employees who experienced bullying than for those who did not (p < 0.001). The association between the experience of workplace bullying and the prevalence of depression was statistically significant for both genders, with a stronger correlation observed among male employees (p for interaction <0.001). Organizations are urged to address workplace bullying, particularly for male employees, through the implementation of anti-bullying strategies and policies, as well as the provision of mental health resources and support.

Keywords

Workplace mental health; Workplace bullying; Depression; Gender difference

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public, Environmental and Occupational Health

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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