Workplace bullying among allied health professionals: prevalence, causes and consequences

Abstract

Workplace bullying is an occupational hazard in the healthcare industry. Allied health professionals form an important, yet underresearched, part of this industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the antecedents and consequences of bullying within the allied health context. Data were collected from 166 allied health professionals working in a large Australian healthcare organisation (response rate = 76%). Logistic regression and analyses of covariance were conducted. Almost a quarter (24%) of respondents reported experiences of workplace bullying. In testing the antecedents of bullying, low levels of supervisor support and high negative affectivity were associated with bullying. In terms of consequences, bullying, along with tenure, employment type and age, influenced levels of depression and psychological distress. Findings may assist in informing effective strategies that aim to reduce and target the occurrence of such negative workplace behaviour.