TitleDiscrimination, harassment, abuse, and bullying in the workplace: contribution of workplace injustice to occupational health disparities.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsOkechukwu, CA, Souza, K, Chandler, KD, A de Castro, B
JournalAm J Ind Med
Volume57
Issue5
Pagination573-86
Date Published06/2013
ISSN1097-0274
KeywordsBullying, Health Status Disparities, Humans, Occupational Health, Prejudice, Sexual Harassment, Social Behavior, Social Discrimination, Workplace
Abstract

BACKGROUND: This paper synthesizes research on the contribution of workplace injustices to occupational health disparities.

METHODS: We conducted a broad review of research and other reports on the impact of workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying on workers' health and on family and job outcomes.

RESULTS: Members of demographic minority groups are more likely to be victims of workplace injustice and suffer more adverse outcomes when exposed to workplace injustice compared to demographic majority groups. A growing body of research links workplace injustice to poor psychological and physical health, and a smaller body of evidence links workplace injustice to unhealthy behaviors. Although not as well studied, studies show that workplace injustice can influence workers' health through effects on workers' family life and job-related outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Injustice is a key contributor to occupational health injustice and prospective studies with oversample of disadvantaged workers and refinement of methods for characterizing workplace injustices are needed.

DOI10.1002/ajim.22221
Alternate JournalAm. J. Ind. Med.
PubMed ID23813664
PubMed Central IDPMC3884002
Grant ListL60 MD003645 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States
U01 AG027669 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States