Harassment at work and its psychopathological consequences: Changes in clinical practice

Aim. - This article aims to explore the changes in clinical practice in dealing with workplace harassment in the light of theoretical and practical knowledge on workplace psychopathology and psychodynamics. Method. - This article uses a set of clinical observations extending over several years in clinical consultations and workplace psychodynamics surveys in the field, in businesses and institutions. Particular emphasis is placed on the judicial institution. Using this clinical material, the authors seek to distinguish the essential elements characterising changes in the patterns of workplace harassment and the psychopathological consequences for the subjects concerned. Results. - The authors have for several years now noted an increase in mental pathologies caused by harassment, the definition of which however needs to be reappraised in light of changes in the organization of work. Although harassment is far from being a new phenomenon, its psychopathological consequences take on more severe forms than thirty years ago. Discussion. - It appears that the new forms of organization of work proceeding from the "managerial turn" initiated in the 1990s generate loneliness and an erosion of solidarity within working groups, constituting major etiological elements in the de-compensation episodes observed at present. Conclusion. - The pathologies of harassment can thus be considered as one of the most obvious signs of the deleterious evolution of the world of work for the psychic functioning of workers. If prevention is possible, it lies above all in restoring cooperation and a collective will to fight for the quality of the working environment. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.