Workplace Bullying and Depression, Mediating Role of Insomnia Among Employees

Background: Workplace bullying is characterized by unpleasant and unethical behavior, which can manifest directly or indirectly, affecting individuals' mental health. Insomnia is also a known consequence of workplace bullying, which can lead to depression. Objective: To explore the association between workplace bullying, insomnia, and depression among employees in Lahore, and to determine the mediating role of insomnia in the relationship between workplace bullying and depression. Methods: This study employed a correlational research design with a purposive sample of 200 employees, both male and female, from Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected using a demographic form, a 21-item Workplace Bullying Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The study followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Results: The mean score for workplace bullying was 42.54 (SD = 15.8), for insomnia was 9.88 (SD = 6.26), and for depression was 18.97 (SD = 13.69). There were significant positive correlations between workplace bullying, insomnia, and depression, with correlation coefficients of 0.53, 0.62, and 0.61, respectively (all p < 0.01). Both workplace bullying (B = 0.36, p < 0.001) and insomnia (B = 0.84, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of depression. Insomnia also mediated the relationship between workplace bullying and depression, with an indirect effect of 0.1714 (95% CI: 0.1105, 0.2393). Conclusion: Workplace bullying contributes to higher levels of depression among employees, with insomnia serving as a mediator. Both workplace bullying and insomnia are significant predictors of depression. These findings highlight the importance of addressing workplace bullying to improve employee mental health.