Effects of Workplace Bullying on Suicide Behavior Using the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicide Behavior

This study explored the relationship between workplace bullying (WB) and suicidal behavior among Puerto Rican employees using the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model. WB and suicidal behavior are significant public health concerns, but limited research has examined the connection between WB and suicidal attempts, particularly in Puerto Rico. The study involved 931 employees from various organizations, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The results revealed that WB is significantly associated with suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and feelings of defeat. Defeat was linked to entrapment, which in turn was related to work-related suicidal ideation (WRSI), though WRSI did not mediate the relationship between entrapment and suicidal attempts. Additionally, rumination moderated the relationship between defeat and entrapment. These findings suggest that WB plays a role in suicidal behavior and identify defeat and entrapment as potential pathways for intervention. The study highlights the importance of further research into WB's impact on suicidal behavior to better understand the mechanisms involved and develop targeted interventions.