Bullying experiences and their relationship on social anxiety and depression among employed adults

Bullying experiences have a long significant association with adverse psychological outcomes, but still their impact on mental health in adulthood remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between bullying experiences and the prevalence of social anxiety and depression among employed adults. Specifically, the study investigates the roles taken by each individual corresponding to the bullying experiences such as the victim, perpetrator, and witness. This study utilizes a correlational research design, which involved a sample of 179 employed adults aged 30 and above. Data were collected using three scales such as Bullying and Exclusion Experiences Scale (BEES) to assess the bullying experiences, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, and the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) for social anxiety. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between bullying experiences and mental health outcomes. Victims of bullying exhibited notably higher levels of social anxiety and depression, highlighting the profound emotional distress linked to persistent negative interactions. Witnesses, despite not being direct targets, also demonstrated elevated levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, emphasizing the indirect but pervasive consequences of bullying. Perpetrators, while often perceived as unaffected, displayed varied psychological outcomes, with some experiencing heightened distress, guilt, or internalized negative emotions that contributed to depressive symptoms The findings underscore the need for awareness and targeted psychological interventions to address the long-term effects of bullying across all involved roles. This study contributes to the growing literature on the psychological impact of bullying in adulthood and calls for comprehensive support systems to mitigate its lasting effects.