Crossover of workplace aggression on to partner's alcohol intake

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the crossover of workplace aggression experienced by members of dual‐earner couples on alcohol intake of the partner

Design/methodology/approach

Cross‐sectional community data come from the 1998 Quebec Health and Social Survey containing a sub‐sample of 5,778 individuals nested in 2,889 dual‐earner couples. Data on alcohol intake, workplace aggression (physical, psychological, sexual), decision authority, working hours, irregular work schedule, marital strains, gender and age are gathered from self‐report questionnaires. Each member of the couple will answer the questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that being the target of workplace aggression is associated with low‐risk (OR=1.27, 95%CI=1.10‐1.46) and high‐risk drinking (OR=1.78, 95%CI=1.44‐2.20). Indicative of a crossover effect, partner workplace aggression victimization (OR=1.30, 95%CI=1.05‐1.62) is associated with high‐risk drinking

Research limitations/implications

Victims of workplace aggression and their immediate relatives might be supported to avoid adverse alcohol‐related problems. Organizations need to pay more attention to the problem of workplace aggression in their occupational health and safety programs

Originality/value

Using multilevel multinomial regression models, this study highlights the complexities of work‐family dynamics and of the crossover effect of workplace aggression into the lives and alcohol intake behavior of dual‐earner partners.

Citation

Marchand, A., Harvey, S. and Haines, V. (2009), "Crossover of workplace aggression on to partner's alcohol intake", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538350910945983