Workplace objectification leads to self-harm: The mediating effect of depressive moods

Yuwan DAI, Tonglin JIANG, Wangchu GAER, Kai Tak POON

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In the current research, we aimed to extend the literature on workplace objectification and contribute to employees’ well-being by exploring whether and how workplace objectification increases self-harm as well as the coping strategy that may weaken the effect. Employing archive data analytic, correlational, longitudinal, and experimental designs, we found that workplace objectification was associated with, or led to, self-harm, irrespective of whether such actions provided an escape from work. This effect could not be simply ascribed to the negative nature of workplace objectification. We further found that depressive moods mediated this effect. The detrimental effect of workplace objectification on self-harm was lessened when employees perceived higher alternatives in life. Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed. Copyright © 2023 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Early online dateDec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - Dec 2023

Citation

Dai, Y., Jiang, T., Gaer, W., & Poon, K.-T. (2023). Workplace objectification leads to self-harm: The mediating effect of depressive moods. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672231213898

Keywords

  • Workplace objectification
  • Self-harm
  • Depressive moods
  • Perceived alternatives in life

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Workplace objectification leads to self-harm: The mediating effect of depressive moods'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.