Threats and humiliation at the workplace and mental health among environmental scientists - a cross-sectional study

Violence at the workplace (e.g., threats, humiliation) is an increasing area of concern in many countries around the world. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of mental health conditions associated with workplace violence among environmental health professionals. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between January and February 2022 among scientists who are members and former members of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE). Of those contacted, 627 participated (32.9%), comprising 64.4% females (n = 397) and 35.6% males (n = 219), of those n = 500 (64.2% females, 35.8% males) could be included in the analyses. To analyse associations between threats and humiliation at the workplace and depression, anxiety, and stress, we used generalized linear models. Most participants (70.2%) were 31 – 60 years old and from North America (48.4%). Of those, 15.0% reported poor health, 17.0% depression, 24.7% anxiety, and 31.9% stress. Threats and humiliation were commonly reported at the workplace, threats reported by 77.4% of females and 56% of males, and humiliation reported by 77.4% of females and 68.9% of males. Joint reporting of threats and humiliation was most common among females, and humiliation was most commonly reported among younger and older scientists. Reporting of threats and humiliation was significantly negatively associated with health, depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings suggest that 1) violence at the workplace should be investigated more, 2) threats and humiliation at the workplace should be a target of policies and politics to reduce not only the suffering of those affected but also economic loss due to reduced health of workers. • Almost half of environmental health professionals reported threats, and two-thirds reported humiliation at the workplace. • Perceived threats and humiliation at the workplace are more frequent among females and younger and older age groups. • Perceived threats and humiliation at the workplace were associated with increased rates ofdepression and stress symptoms. The strongest associations between perceived threats and harassment were found with reported social exclusion, being advised to quit, and being prevented from publishing • Health of the working population is associated with threats, harassment, and humiliation at the workplace.