“Workplace bullying,” and “mobbing” are terms researchers have used to describe a range of psychologically aggressive workplace behaviors that include verbal abuse, rages, intimidation, threats, scapegoating,  humiliation, isolation, shunning, misrepresentation, sabotage, and the abuse of evaluative authority that are aimed unjustly at a specific individual.  According to data collected by the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) in Bellingham, Washington, 77% of targeted individuals ultimately lose their jobs. Gary Namie, founder of the WBI, refers to workplace bullying as “a silent epidemic.” Unbeknownst to many, two decades of research in this developing field of psychological study have clearly demonstrated not only that the phenomenon exists, but that it is quite common in the American workplace. From a psychological perspective, the most compelling conclusions drawn from the research are those that consistently link workplace bullying with numerous serious physical and mental health symptoms many of which have been shown to have long-term consequences for targeted individuals. These symptoms are further complicated by the financial instability that is the usual end result once an individual has been targeted. For those interested in becoming familiar with this research, the WBI has posted links to many research articles on their websites. They include a link to WBI research as well as research conducted by others. Follow our links to assess your workplace and to learn more about the impact on targets. The pervasive and destructive nature of workplace bullying makes it a health and safety issue as well as a civil rights issue. Square Peg Psychological is committed to addressing workplace bullying through:    Providing safe, confidential, and comprehensive support to individuals who are the targets or witnesses of this behavior.  Raising public awareness concerning the nature and negative consequences of workplace bullying through presentations to community mental health organizations, public health agencies, employee unions and assistance programs, and to the media.  Contributing to research focused on identifying effective options for providing the optimum mode of support to individuals experiencing various levels of bullying or mobbing.  Participating in legislative efforts to pass “Healthy Workplace” Legislation in Oregon and throughout the United States.http://www.bullyinginstitute.orghttp://www.bullyinginstitute.org/research/wbiresearch.htmlhttp://www.bullyinginstitute.org/research/wbiresearch.htmlhttp://www.bullyinginstitute.org/research/othersresearch.htmlAssess_Your_Workplace.htmlAssess_Your_Workplace.htmlImpact_on_Targets.htmlshapeimage_4_link_0shapeimage_4_link_1shapeimage_4_link_2shapeimage_4_link_3shapeimage_4_link_4shapeimage_4_link_5shapeimage_4_link_6