The danger of adult bullying lies in the perpetrators' ability to subtly and humorously disguise their wrongdoing, making it difficult for others to recognize until serious consequences arise.
Consider the workplace. A September 2024 EuroFound survey revealed that 4% to 12% of European workers reported being bullied. 15% to 30% of adults said they had experienced bullying at some point in their careers.
A study on workplace bullying in Australia showed that almost 10% of employees had been victims.
Adult bullying takes many forms.
 |
Illustrative photo: Pexels |
Illustrative photo: Pexels
Verbal bullying
Verbal bullying among adults, especially in the workplace or other social settings, is a form of psychological aggression that involves using words to belittle, threaten, humiliate, or undermine others. It's one of the most common forms of adult bullying.
This type of bullying often involves deliberate and repeated actions such as insults, name-calling, offensive remarks, spreading rumors or malicious gossip, yelling, or using a condescending tone.
Verbal bullying often leaves no visible marks, making it harder to detect but no less dangerous. It has serious psychological, emotional, and even physical consequences.
A 2015 study by scientist Nielsen and colleagues at the Norwegian Institute of Occupational Health found a strong link between verbal bullying and symptoms of clinical depression.
Solutions for dealing with verbal bullying include assertive communication, documenting incidents, and firmly objecting to the behavior.
At the organizational level, effective anti-bullying policies, leadership training, and a respectful workplace culture are key. Ignoring bullying or advising victims to "just put up with it" will only worsen the situation.
According to Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson, associate professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work (USA), it's crucial to develop self-confidence and skills to confront bullies directly.
Bullying through isolation and discrimination
In this type of bullying, a person exploits relationships to cause harm, such as social isolation, spreading rumors, or damaging someone's reputation. They might deliberately exclude someone from important meetings or social events, or spread false rumors in the office to harm their reputation.
This is done carefully through whispered conversations, private messages, or deliberately omitting someone from invitation lists.
Additionally, bullies target individuals based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The prevalence of such abuse tends to increase with age and experience as people become desensitized to these attitudes.
When facing isolation, studies show that maintaining routines, engaging in meaningful activities, and connecting with others (including online) can reduce loneliness and chronic isolation.
Physical bullying
Although less common than among children, physical bullying in adults still exists, including threats, intimidation, or physical harm. Bullies often downplay these actions as "roughhousing" or "just a joke," but they cause physical harm to others.
To address physical bullying in adults, research recommends prioritizing personal safety, documenting the incidents, and reporting them to authorities or workplace channels. Legal action might be necessary, as physical bullying often violates criminal or labor laws.
Manipulative bullying
Bullies don't always use words. Their silence can be more potent than shouting. Manipulative tactics like the silent treatment, ignoring, undermining trust, or creating confusion leave victims constantly questioning and overthinking.
To address this, researchers suggest victims clearly identify the behavior, document the issues, and set firm, respectful boundaries. Assertive communication and emotional regulation are key. If the situation persists, contacting human resources or seeking appropriate support is recommended.
Thuy Linh (Timesofindia)
