Workplace harassment, mental health challenges and gender equality. A systematic review

Authors

  • Mauricio Mercado-Aravena Universidad Adventista de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales, FACIJS. Chillán, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3239-5695
  • Andrea María Palma Contreras Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chile, Departamento de Ciencias Sociales, Facultad de Educación y Humanidades, FEDUH. Chillán, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6281-1509
  • Bárbara Farías-Fritz Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chile, Departamento Ciencias de las Rehabilitación en Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y de los Alimentos, FACSA. Chillán, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7824-8741
  • Marilyn San Martín Cofré Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chile, Departamento Ciencias de las Rehabilitación en Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y de los Alimentos, FACSA. Chillán, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6092-2785
  • Angel Roco-Videla Universidad Bernardo O´Higgins. Programa de Magister en Ciencias Químico-Biológicas Santiago, Chile Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8850-1018

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251182

Keywords:

Workplace harassment, Mental health, Gender equality, Higher education

Abstract

Introduction: workplace bullying is a growing phenomenon that negatively impacts the mental health of workers and increases absenteeism. The objective of this systematic review is to identify research on workplace bullying in the academic context between 2019 and 2024, analyzing its effects on mental health and the effectiveness of institutional policies to prevent it.
Methods: PRISMA guidelines for systematic review were applied, using Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest databases. 10 were analyzed in relation to their main findings, methodologies, samples and limitations.
Results: there is a high prevalence of workplace bullying in the academic environment, which is associated with the quality of life and mental health of those affected. Women would be the most affected, showing significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, needs were identified in the development of institutional policies to address bullying.
Conclusions: workplace bullying affects both the mental and physical health of workers with an impact on the quality of life of people and the productivity of institutions. It is necessary to implement policies to prevent harassment, as they have proven to be a good way to reduce its incidence

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Published

2025-01-16

How to Cite

1.
Mercado-Aravena M, Palma Contreras AM, Farías-Fritz B, San Martín Cofré M, Roco-Videla A. Workplace harassment, mental health challenges and gender equality. A systematic review. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 16 [cited 2025 Mar. 16];5:1182. Available from: https://sct.ageditor.ar/index.php/sct/article/view/1182