Conflict frequency as predictor of negative acts and being a target or perpetrator of bullying two years later.

Main Abstract Content: Purpose To investigate the association between conflict frequency and bullying at T1 and T2, moderation of individual conflict management styles and mediation of negative acts. Methodology Data from the Workplace Bullying and Harassment cohort (2006-2008) were analysed cross-sectionally (n=3363) and longitudinally (n=1664). Measures: conflict frequency; three individual conflict management styles (Active-Constructive, Active-Destructive and Passive-Avoiding); the Negative Acts Questionnaire; being a target or perpetrator of bullying. All analyses were adjusted for gender, age, workplace fairness and supervisor’s conflict solving abilities. Results Cross-sectional findings: Higher conflict frequency was significantly associated with more negative acts and a higher risk of being a target or perpetrator. Among those higher in Passive-Avoidant conflict management style, there was a stronger association of conflict frequency with both negative acts and being a target or perpetrator. Longitudinal findings: Higher conflict frequency (T1) was associated with more negative acts (β=0.23, p<.001) and higher risk of being a target (β=0.13, p<.001) or perpetrator (β=0.11, p<.001) (T2). Passive-Avoidant conflict management style enhanced the association between conflicts and being a target of bullying (β=0.18, p<.01). The association between conflicts (T1) and being target or perpetrator (T2) was mediated by negative acts (T1). Limitations The associations were significant only in the cross-sectional analyses and in longitudinal analyses not adjusted for baseline levels of the outcome: Inferences about causality should be cautious. Practical implications Implementation of conflict management strategies should focus on the Active-Constructive style. Value: This is the first study testing 2-year associations between conflicts and bullying with negative acts as a mediator.