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Sexual Harassment, Generalized Workplace Abuse and Drinking Outcomes: The Role of Personality Vulnerability

NCJ Number
199736
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 2002 Pages: 1071-1088
Author(s)
Joseph S. Wislar; Judith A. Richman; Michael Fendrich; Joseph A. Flaherty
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article explores the role of personality deficits in the perception of workplace abuse and subsequent alcohol abuse problems.
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that stressors can influence physical health and mental health outcomes. One such outcome of stress can be alcohol abuse problems. In this study, the authors were interested in whether the personality deficits of neuroticism and narcissism influenced the perception of workplace abuse, such as sexual harassment, and consequent alcohol abuse problems. The authors conducted a two-wave data collection in a university setting, spacing each wave of data collection 1 year apart. In the first wave, university faculty, student workers, clerical workers, and service workers were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding perceptions of workplace abuse and patterns of alcohol consumption. The second questionnaire was completed 1 year later and involved identical questions, with the exception of baseline data, which were omitted from the second questionnaire for redundancy reasons. Results of bivariate analyses revealed that respondents who were judged to be high on neuroticism and narcissism were more likely to perceive abusive work environments at both waves of the study. Results also revealed that perceptions of workplace abuse were associated with deleterious drinking behavior, regardless of personality deficits. These results show that although personality deficits influence the perception of abusive workplaces, neuroticism and narcissism are not associated with consequent deleterious drinking behavior. In conclusion, the authors call for more research across diverse workplaces in order to better understand the relationship between workplace abuse, personality vulnerability, and drinking outcomes. Tables, notes, references