MMPI-2 personality profiles and suicidal ideation and behavior in victims of bullying at work: a follow-up study

The main aim of this study was to investigate longitudinally the personality profile and suicidal ideation and behavior in victims of bullying at work in relation to the evolution of the victimization. Forty-eight victims were evaluated by means of medical and psychological assessment including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). A follow up session was carried out after an average of 22 months. At first evaluation, the average MMPI-2 personality profile of victims showed abnormal elevations on scales Hs (Hypochondria), D (Depression), Hy (Hysteria), and Pa (Paranoia), which were strikingly similar to that found in previous studies. Furthermore, suicidal ideation and behavior were common among victims. At follow-up, 26 victims reported that the degree of bullying had remained the same or had even worsened, while 22 said that the situation had improved or had been resolved. While there was a trend towards normalization in the MMPI-2 profile for all victims, the profile of the ‘static’ group was still abnormal at follow up. On the contrary, the profile of the ‘improved’ group was entirely within normal range. Suicidal ideation and behavior decreased in all victims, but only to a significant degree in the ‘improved’ group. Results are discussed in the light of the bullying process.