Battered Workers Syndrome can Erupt in Violence
The tragic killings at the Connecticut Lottery Office reflect precisely the thesis of a book Dr. Dorothea Braginsky, professor of psychology at Fairfield University is working on, entitled, "The Battered Worker's Syndrome." In the book she compares the Battered Worker's Syndrom to Battered Wives' Syndrome, saying that workers who feel they are being put down, ridiculed or diminished in some way can react with terrible violence. This is not about the worker who is dismissed and out of a job - this is about people who experience this frustration and lack of self-esteem on the job.
Dr. Braginsky has also done research on the effect on children when a parent loses a job, especially high level workers who thought their jobs were secure.
Her work has appeared in Psychology Today and her books include "Methods of Madness: The Mental Hospital as the Last Resort," and "Mainstream Psychology: A Critique."
Dr. Braginsky may be reached in New Haven at: 203-397-2658. Or call Nancy Habetz, assist. dir. of P.R. for assistance at 203-254-4000, ext. 2647 or 203-259-1884.
RSS