This article aims at analyzing the magnitude and some characteristics of the workplace moral harassment phenomenon in Rio de Janeiro health sector. Data from a randomized anonymous survey research developed in 2001 as part of the Program "Workplace Violence in the Health Sector" was analyzed. All cases (1569) and their variables related to moral harassment were selected for the bank analysis. The professional group of nurses' aides presented the highest proportion of moral harassment victims (22.7%) and the most frequent perpetrators were co-workers, supervisors and managers (48.7%). The victims' most frequent psychological reaction was "becoming super-alert". Although part of them (38.5%) reported to their bosses they had been morally harrassed, only 20% of them had an action taken. In order to evidence this kind of violence in Brazil, the authors suggest increasing research and surveillance. They also emphasize the need to implement institutional measures to control violence at work and studies that will stimulate the institutional management of this kind of violence.
moral harassment; mobbing; working conditions; violence; work; occupational health
