Workplace bullying can become vicious cycle for anxious victims

A new research has revealed that bullying people at work, breaks the victims down and makes them an easy target for further abuse.

The study led by University Of East Anglia explained that bullying victims get anxious and short of confidence to stand up for themselves and at the end becomes more vulnerable to further harassment.

Dr Ana Sanz Vergel, from UEA's Norwich Business School said that the findings explained that the relationship between workplace bullying and the psychological impact on victims was much more complex than expected.

The researchers mentioned that bullying at work includes harassing, offending, or socially excluding someone repeatedly over a period of around six months, and with this type of behavior victim could lead to poor health as he gets exposed to a very stressful situation.

Dr Vergel further added that being exposed to workplace bullying leads to deteriorated mental health and decreased well-being, but at the same time, showing anxious behavior puts the victim in a weak position and makes them an easy target, leading to a spiral of abuse.