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The Digital Dilemma: Workplace Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Adult Mental Health
A Rapid Systematic Review
By S4108361
MSc Crisis and Security Management: War and Peace Studies
Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, Leiden University
Psychology of Online Behavior: Response to Violence and Crisis
Dr. Olga Bogolyubova
May 29, 2024
2200 Words
1
, 2
Abstract
Workplace cyberbullying has become a significant concern due to the increased reliance on
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in professional settings. This study
systematically reviewed current research on the prevalence and mental health effects of
workplace cyberbullying among adults. A literature search using predetermined keywords and
inclusion criteria in the Web of Science (WoS) database from April 25 to May 10, 2024,
identified 23 relevant studies. These were analysed through thematic and content analysis,
considering various professions, sample sizes, and methods.
The results indicated that cyberbullying is prevalent across various professions,
predominantly manifesting as verbal abuse, social exclusion, rumour distribution, and image-
based harassment via e-mail, social media, and instant messaging. Reported mental health
impacts include stress, anxiety, depression, and decreased job satisfaction, with variations by
age, gender, and occupation. These psychological effects detrimentally impact individual
well-being and organisational dynamics. The reviewed studies used diverse methods and
validated instruments, but reliance on self-reported data and cross-sectional designs limits
causality. Sampling methods and lack of detailed demographic data (such as age and
prevalence rates) affect generalisability. The study therefore calls for longitudinal research to
address these gaps.
The findings highlighted the need for effective management strategies, including clear digital
communication procedures, mental health support, and resilience training, to prevent and
address cyberbullying. Comprehensive, context-specific strategies are essential to support
affected employees and foster a positive organisational climate. Thus, a supportive workplace
is crucial for employee well-being and productivity.
Keywords: Cyberbullying, workplace, adult mental health, psychological distress,
victimisation
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, 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 7
Conceptualisation ................................................................................................................. 7
Workplace Cyberbullying ................................................................................................... 7
Mental Health .................................................................................................................... 7
Strategy .................................................................................................................................. 7
Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 8
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Prevalence .............................................................................................................................. 9
Mental Health Impact .......................................................................................................... 9
Cyberbullying’s Impact Across Demographics ................................................................ 10
Age Group ........................................................................................................................ 10
Specific Occupational Roles ............................................................................................ 10
Gender Differences .......................................................................................................... 10
Intervention and Prevention Needs ................................................................................... 11
Methods ............................................................................................................................... 11
Sampling Strategies.......................................................................................................... 11
Study Instrumentation and Impact Assessment .............................................................. 11
Critical Analysis .................................................................................................................. 12
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 13
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, 4
Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 13
Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 13
Implications ......................................................................................................................... 13
Research ........................................................................................................................... 13
Practical ............................................................................................................................ 14
Bibliography ........................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix ................................................................................................................................. 35
A. Search Strategy .............................................................................................................. 35
A1. Keywords and search words ................................................................................... 35
A2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ............................................................................ 36
B. PRISMA Flowchart ....................................................................................................... 37
C. Excluded sources ............................................................................................................ 38
D. Complete Findings Table .................................................................................................. 44
D1. Content-Based .......................................................................................................... 44
D2. Methodology-Based .................................................................................................. 75
E. Synthesised tables........................................................................................................... 87
E1. By Region .................................................................................................................. 87
E2. By Sector ................................................................................................................... 89
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The Digital Dilemma: Workplace Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Adult Mental Health
A Rapid Systematic Review
By S4108361
MSc Crisis and Security Management: War and Peace Studies
Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, Leiden University
Psychology of Online Behavior: Response to Violence and Crisis
Dr. Olga Bogolyubova
May 29, 2024
2200 Words
1
, 2
Abstract
Workplace cyberbullying has become a significant concern due to the increased reliance on
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in professional settings. This study
systematically reviewed current research on the prevalence and mental health effects of
workplace cyberbullying among adults. A literature search using predetermined keywords and
inclusion criteria in the Web of Science (WoS) database from April 25 to May 10, 2024,
identified 23 relevant studies. These were analysed through thematic and content analysis,
considering various professions, sample sizes, and methods.
The results indicated that cyberbullying is prevalent across various professions,
predominantly manifesting as verbal abuse, social exclusion, rumour distribution, and image-
based harassment via e-mail, social media, and instant messaging. Reported mental health
impacts include stress, anxiety, depression, and decreased job satisfaction, with variations by
age, gender, and occupation. These psychological effects detrimentally impact individual
well-being and organisational dynamics. The reviewed studies used diverse methods and
validated instruments, but reliance on self-reported data and cross-sectional designs limits
causality. Sampling methods and lack of detailed demographic data (such as age and
prevalence rates) affect generalisability. The study therefore calls for longitudinal research to
address these gaps.
The findings highlighted the need for effective management strategies, including clear digital
communication procedures, mental health support, and resilience training, to prevent and
address cyberbullying. Comprehensive, context-specific strategies are essential to support
affected employees and foster a positive organisational climate. Thus, a supportive workplace
is crucial for employee well-being and productivity.
Keywords: Cyberbullying, workplace, adult mental health, psychological distress,
victimisation
2
, 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 7
Conceptualisation ................................................................................................................. 7
Workplace Cyberbullying ................................................................................................... 7
Mental Health .................................................................................................................... 7
Strategy .................................................................................................................................. 7
Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 8
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Prevalence .............................................................................................................................. 9
Mental Health Impact .......................................................................................................... 9
Cyberbullying’s Impact Across Demographics ................................................................ 10
Age Group ........................................................................................................................ 10
Specific Occupational Roles ............................................................................................ 10
Gender Differences .......................................................................................................... 10
Intervention and Prevention Needs ................................................................................... 11
Methods ............................................................................................................................... 11
Sampling Strategies.......................................................................................................... 11
Study Instrumentation and Impact Assessment .............................................................. 11
Critical Analysis .................................................................................................................. 12
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 13
3
, 4
Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 13
Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 13
Implications ......................................................................................................................... 13
Research ........................................................................................................................... 13
Practical ............................................................................................................................ 14
Bibliography ........................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix ................................................................................................................................. 35
A. Search Strategy .............................................................................................................. 35
A1. Keywords and search words ................................................................................... 35
A2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ............................................................................ 36
B. PRISMA Flowchart ....................................................................................................... 37
C. Excluded sources ............................................................................................................ 38
D. Complete Findings Table .................................................................................................. 44
D1. Content-Based .......................................................................................................... 44
D2. Methodology-Based .................................................................................................. 75
E. Synthesised tables........................................................................................................... 87
E1. By Region .................................................................................................................. 87
E2. By Sector ................................................................................................................... 89
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