Social Harm

Social Harm

Humans are social animals. We routinely rely on others to make us feel human and connected. Bullying disrupts groups of co-workers. Sometimes bullies play divide 'n conquer games ordering colleagues to not help or communicate with the target.

More common is the group's tendency to informally separate themselves from the target. Resentment for exposing peers to the target's misery evolves into estrangement and eventual abandonment. Co-workers don't want to be near the target lest they become the next prey.

There is research showing that witnesses suffer from bullying, too. When the bully is a co-worker, the principal weapon is to withhold approval of human contact and validation. Targets begin to doubt their sanity. Family and friends remain supportive for targets the longer than co-workers.

If the bullying does not stop, and the target does not stop obsessing, spouses can tire of the vicarious misery and leave the emotionally draining relationship.