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Published on: January 5, 2018
Workplace harassment, active coping, and alcohol-related outcomes
J A Richman1, K M Rospenda, J A Flaherty
1Department of Psychiatry University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jrichman@uic.edu
Active coping strategies do not prevent workplace harassment or abuse. However, unsuccessful coping attempts are linked to increased alcohol use and abuse in university employees.
Area of Science:
- Workplace psychology
- Occupational health
- Stress and coping mechanisms
Background:
- Sexual harassment and generalized workplace abuse (GWA) are associated with increased alcohol consumption.
- Active, problem-focused coping can mitigate mental health issues from social stressors.
- The moderating effect of coping on harassment and alcohol use remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization of active coping by employees experiencing harassment or abuse.
- To determine if coping strategies influence the persistence or resolution of harassment and abuse.
- To examine if unsuccessful coping predicts alcohol use and abuse.
Main Methods:
- A two-wave survey of 2038 university employees was conducted.
- Data analyzed the relationship between active coping, harassment/abuse, and alcohol use.
- Statistical controls included baseline drinking and sociodemographic factors.
Main Results:
- Active coping did not significantly impact the cessation of harassment or abuse.
- Unsuccessful problem-focused coping predicted certain alcohol use outcomes for both genders.
- These findings held after controlling for initial alcohol use and demographics.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest workplace harassment and abuse prevention is crucial.
- Reducing workplace harassment and abuse may decrease associated alcohol use and abuse.
- Institutional interventions targeting harassment and abuse are recommended.
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