My name is Beth Anne Stearns and I am a student at Capella University working on a Doctor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology degree. I am conducting a research study called Aspects of Workplace Bullying in Correctional Environments. The purpose of this study is to explore aspects of workplace bullying that employees experience while working in correctional organizations; to understand how employees describe their experiences with workplace bullying; to understand the impact of bullying on emotional health and job satisfaction; identify aspects of the work environment that may contribute to staff bullying; and to indicate a need for organizational policies to be developed that protect employees. Workplace Bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more employee(s) by one or more individual(s) of an organization. It is abusive conduct that is threatening, humiliating, and intimidating. Workplace bullying can involve either work interference or sabotage which prevents work from getting done, or verbal abuse. Workplace bullying is characterized by such factors as repetition, duration, escalation, and attributed intent

Your participation will involve being interviewed and responding to 12 questions. Your involvement will last approximately one hour. Your participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time, you can do so without penalty or loss of benefit to yourself. The results of the research study may be published but your identity will remain confidential and your name will not be disclosed to any outside party.

If you are currently employed or were previously employed with a correctional organization, you have been a victim of workplace bullying, you have been out of the bullying situation for at least a year, and are interested in participating in this study or have any questions concerning the research study, please call me at 719-650-7099 or email me at stearns.beth@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Beth Anne Stearns