Workplace victimization and alcohol misuse among junior military personnel: Mediating the role of anger

Abstract

Background: Workplace victimization is one of most serious problems for affecting alcohol misuse in junior military personnel (JMP) that has been largely overlooked in research attention. Studies on workplace victimization and alcohol misuse indicate anger as mediator. Workplace victimization may affect alcohol misuse (in)directly through the mediator. Methods: A sample of JMP (N = 815) completed an offline survey, consisting of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale-2, Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Frequency, t-test and chi-square test, and mediation analyses were conducted to assess the effects of workplace victimization on alcohol misuse, mediated via anger. Results: Victims in the workplace showed higher level of anger and alcohol misuse. In mediation analyses, workplace victimization was related to higher levels of anger, which, in turn, were associated with greater alcohol misuse. Limitations: Study limitations included the use of cross-sectional data with the use of retrospective self-report. Conclusion: Workplace victimization in JMP is prevalent (17.7%), and alcohol misuse is associated with effects of workplace victimization and anger with full mediation path. Findings suggest that eliminating workplace victimization against JMP and intervention for anger should be focused upon, and implemented for online alcohol misuse prevention in the military context.