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Workplace harassment, psychological distress, and alcohol problems: A longitudinal study
Alper Kayaalp1, Kyle J Page2, Kathleen M Rospenda3
1Department of Clinical, Health, and Applied Sciences, University of Houston - Clear Lake, Houston, USA.
Workplace harassment is linked to more alcohol problems in college students, with psychological distress acting as a key mediator. Addressing harassment and mental health is crucial for this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Workplace harassment, encompassing sexual and generalized forms, is a significant issue among employed college students.
- Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is a common concern within this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between workplace harassment and increased alcohol problems.
- To examine the impact of both sexual and generalized workplace harassment on alcohol consumption patterns.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative study involving 905 employed college students from eight Midwestern U.S. institutions.
- Data collected across two waves, analyzed using mediation analysis with Hayes's PROCESS macro and bootstrapping.
Main Results:
- Workplace harassment was found to be a significant predictor of increased alcohol problems.
- Psychological distress significantly mediated the association between workplace harassment and alcohol problems.
Conclusions:
- Workplace harassment is prevalent and contributes to alcohol problems and poor mental health in the U.S. collegiate workforce.
- Mental health practitioners and college counselors play a vital role in helping students address workplace harassment and its consequences.
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