Threats and humiliation in the workplace

BACKGROUND: Threats and humiliation in the workplace and related mental health consequences are a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between threats and humiliation at the workplace and mental health of scientists. METHODS: We analysed de-identified data from environmental scientists who had responded to an online survey about self-identified threats and humiliation at the workplace and mental health. Eligible were scientists who were members or former members of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE). Generalized linear models were used to study cross-sectional associations between threats and humiliation at the workplace and self-reported health, depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. RESULTS: Of those contacted, 1,907 opened the invitation (50·6%), and 627 participated (32·9%) [64·4% female (n = 397); 35·6% male (n = 219)]. For this study we included those who answered to the threats and humiliation questions (n = 500; 64·2% (n = 321) females and 35·8% (n = 179 males). Of those 15·0% (n = 61/345) reported poor health, 17·0 (n = 66) depression; 24·7% anxiety and 31·9% (N = 122) stress symptoms. 77.4% female and 68.9% males reported at least one humiliation event at their workplace. Threats were most common among females, those who were 18 to 30 years old, and not professors; humiliation was most common among females. Exposure to threats (e.g. being put on leave) and humiliation (e.g. being excluded) were associated with worse self-perceived health, and more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in a statistically significant dose-response relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Threats and humiliation at the workplace are frequent among health scientists. These exposures are associated with mental health conditions. The findings suggest that prevention and intervention policies aimed to reduce threats and humiliation at the workplace may contribute to promoting mental health of scientists.