Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42381251 DOI: 10.1177/10519815261462525
The relationship between perceived psychological harassment and burnout among employees across different sectors: A cross-sectional study.
Work
Authors: Mehmet Erdem Guney, İsmet Celebi, Duygu Seyhan Erdogan, Sultan Pinar Cetintepe, Cüneyt Çalişkan, Ahmet Doğan Kuday
Affiliations
- PhD in Occupational Health, Senior Lecturer, Gazi University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Türkiye.
- Associate Professor Gazi University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Paramedicine, Ankara, Türkiye.
- Research Assistant in Occupational Medicine, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye.
- Associate Professor, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Division of Occupational Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye.
- Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management, Hamidiye Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Türkiye.
- Department of First and Emergency Aid, Vocational School of Health Services, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Abstract
BackgroundPsychological harassment (PH) at work is referred to as PH is a critical psychosocial hazard that negatively affects employee well-being and productivity. Increasing evidence indicates that PH contributes to burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. However, empirical findings on how harassment interacts with burnout subscales across different demographic groups remain limited.ObjectiveThe relationships between PH and burnout subscales among employees in the public and private sectors were examined, and whether PH was positive associated burnout when demographic variables were controlled was evaluated.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 412 employees, and data were collected using participants' self-reported responses. Burnout and Psychological Harassment levels were assessed using validated scales. Statistical analyses included descriptive tests, Pearson correlations, t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression models.ResultsParticipants experienced moderate levels of PH(M = 47.57, SD = 16.98) and burnout (EE: M = 17.45; DP: M = 10.28; PA: M = 16.93). PH showed a significant positive correlation with EE (r = .233, p < .001) and a significant negative correlation with PA (r = -.201, p < .001). Private-sector employees reported higher EE (M = 27.82) than public-sector employees (M = 24.92; p < .001). PH varied significantly by education (p = .021) and income level (p < .001). Hierarchical regression results indicated that psychological harassment significantly predicted EE (β = .302, p < .001), explaining 9.1% of its variance, and remained significant after demographic controls (ΔR 2 = .086).ConclusionPH is a strong and independent predictor of emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment. Although demographic factors contribute to variations in burnout and PH, they do not fully account for the adverse effects of PH. These findings highlight the need for organizational prevention strategies, effective reporting mechanisms, and supportive workplace practices to reduce psychosocial risks and enhance employee well-being.
MeSH
Achievement, Cross-Sectional Studies, Harassment, Non-Sexual, Occupational Health, Occupational Therapy, Work, Occupational Stress, Burnout, Psychological, Demography, Emotional Exhaustion