The moderating role of social support on the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress among public school teachers in South Africa

Pearce, Iman

The moderating role of social support on the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress among public school teachers in South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Organisational Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Commerce

Abstract

Workplace bullying is a global phenomenon that presents physical and psychological consequences for its victims, such as psychological distress. The study sought to identify the effect of workplace bullying on the psychological distress experienced by public school teachers. The sample consisted of 87 public school teachers located in South Africa. Firstly, the study explored the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress through correlational analyses, followed by an analysis of the relationship between social support and psychological distress. The findings indicated that a significant positive relationship exists between workplace bullying, particularly from colleagues, and psychological distress among teachers. Additionally, the study revealed a significant negative relationship between psychological distress and social support. Finally, the study explored the moderating effect of social support on the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress. The analysis indicated that social support does not moderate the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, and the practical and theoretical implications, and recommendations for future research, are discussed.