Attachment insecurity, bullying victimisation in the workplace, and the experience of burnout

Introduction

Although burnout is perhaps the most frequently reported work-related correlate of attachment insecurity, the role of mitigating variables in that link is less well researched.

Objective

The paper investigates the mediational role of workplace bullying and perceived social support in the link between attachment insecurity and burnout. It was hypothesised that insecurely attached employees would develop burnout via three pathways: (a) by becoming the victims of workplace bullying, (b) by perceiving relatively low support from managers and colleagues due to their attachment insecurity, and (c) by perceiving lower support from managers and colleagues due to them having been bullied.

Method

Two hundred and twenty-two employees from various completed the following questionnaires: Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire – Revised, Revised Negative Acts Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey.

Results

SEM analysis suggested that the two models tested had a good fit, indicating different pathways from bullying to burnout depending on type of attachment insecurity.

Conclusion

Findings could inform interventions empowering victims of bullying and help organisations deal with this serious problem.