Research project Exposure to offensive behaviors in working life
Work-related adverse social behaviors, including violence/threats of violence, bullying, and sexual harassment are remarkably prevalent in working life. Still, high quality evidence on health consequences, especially physical health outcomes and mortality, and on determinants, is scarce.
This programme aims to extend the evidence about whether these type of exposures are associated with serious health consequences or health-related behaviors, whether work-related resources can modify these relationships, and whether a range of organizational, workplace- and work characteristics are predictors of exposure.
We will use data from several of the largest occupational cohorts worldwide, from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, in total including >300000 individuals. Prospective/longitudinal analyses will primarily be performed, in some cases using harmonized data from several cohorts with relevant self-report data, or self-report data in combination with register data on incident cardiometabolic disease, depression, mortality, suicide/suicide attempts, and sickness absence, combined through meta-analyses.
The programme will allow for large studies providing high quality evidence also on rare outcomes, thereby significantly advancing the field. It will also address certain organizational, workplace, and work characteristics rarely considered previously. We also intend to synthesize the state of knowledge in systematic reviews. More conclusive evidence on the consequences and determinants can increase awareness of the problems and indicate means for prevention that are sorely lacking.
Full project title: Exposure to offensive behaviors in working life – its psychosocial work- and organizational determinants and risk for morbidity and mortality