Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization [LIPT-45]

Instrument Description

The Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization (LIPT-45) is a structured psychometric instrument developed by Heinz Leymann to assess experiences of psychological harassment and workplace mobbing.

The instrument consists of 45 items describing different forms of repeated negative workplace behaviors that may be experienced by employees from colleagues, supervisors, or other members of the organization.

The LIPT-45 evaluates systematic patterns of workplace mistreatment, including behaviors related to communication restrictions, social exclusion, damage to professional reputation, occupational degradation, and attacks on personal well-being.

The instrument is based on the concept of mobbing, defined as repeated and persistent exposure to hostile behaviors in the workplace that may negatively affect psychological health, occupational functioning, and social relationships.

The main dimensions assessed by the LIPT-45 include:

Restriction of Communication

Assesses behaviors that interfere with the individual’s ability to communicate effectively, express opinions, or receive necessary information.

Examples include:

  • exclusion from communication processes;
  • withholding of important information;
  • avoidance of interaction.

Social Isolation

Evaluates behaviors aimed at excluding the individual from workplace relationships and social networks.

Examples include:

  • being ignored by colleagues;
  • exclusion from group activities;
  • social marginalization.

Attacks on Reputation

Examines behaviors that negatively affect the individual’s personal or professional image.

Examples include:

  • spreading rumors;
  • questioning competence;
  • undermining credibility.

Professional Degradation

Assesses behaviors that reduce professional status, restrict responsibilities, or assign inappropriate tasks.

Examples include:

  • assigning meaningless duties;
  • excessive criticism;
  • undermining professional abilities.

Attacks on Health and Personality

Evaluates behaviors involving psychological pressure, intimidation, personal attacks, or actions that negatively affect emotional well-being.

Objective

The primary objective of the LIPT-45 is to identify and quantify systematic experiences of psychological harassment in the workplace.

Specifically, the instrument aims to:

  • assess the frequency and intensity of negative workplace behaviors;
  • identify exposure to mobbing experiences;
  • evaluate the psychological burden associated with workplace harassment;
  • investigate relationships between workplace mistreatment and mental health outcomes;
  • support organizational interventions aimed at improving workplace conditions.

The LIPT-45 can be used by researchers, occupational psychologists, human resource professionals, and organizations interested in understanding and preventing workplace bullying and psychological violence.

Structure and Scoring

The LIPT-45 includes 45 items describing potentially harmful workplace behaviors.

Participants indicate how frequently they have experienced each behavior during a specific period, commonly the previous 6 to 12 months.

Responses are typically rated using a frequency scale:

0 – Never
1 – Rarely (once per month or less)
2 – Occasionally (approximately once per week)
3 – Frequently (several times per week)
4 – Daily

The overall evaluation may include:

  • total number of experienced negative acts;
  • frequency of exposure;
  • intensity of experiences;
  • scores across specific mobbing dimensions.

The duration of exposure is considered an important factor, as prolonged and repeated exposure to hostile workplace behaviors is associated with greater psychological impact.

Data Analysis

Analysis of LIPT-45 data may include:

Descriptive Statistics

Calculation of:

  • item frequencies;
  • mean scores;
  • standard deviations;
  • total scores;
  • dimension-specific scores.

These analyses provide information about the prevalence and severity of workplace psychological harassment.

Comparative Analysis

Differences in LIPT-45 scores may be examined across groups based on:

  • gender;
  • age;
  • occupational sector;
  • organizational department;
  • years of professional experience.

Such comparisons may identify groups with increased exposure to workplace mobbing.

Correlation Analysis

Associations between workplace harassment and other psychological or occupational variables may be investigated, including:

  • burnout;
  • job satisfaction;
  • anxiety;
  • depressive symptoms;
  • psychological distress;
  • quality of life.

Psychometric Analysis

Evaluation of the measurement properties of the instrument may include:

  • internal consistency analysis using Cronbach’s alpha;
  • exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis;
  • construct validity assessment.

Reliability and Validity

The psychometric evaluation of the LIPT-45 focuses on determining whether the instrument reliably measures workplace psychological harassment.

Internal Consistency

Internal consistency is commonly examined using reliability coefficients such as Cronbach’s alpha, assessing whether items within the scale measure related aspects of psychological harassment.

Construct Validity

Validity can be examined through relationships between LIPT-45 scores and related constructs, including:

  • workplace stress;
  • emotional exhaustion;
  • psychological well-being;
  • organizational climate.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation

When used in different countries or organizational contexts, cultural adaptation and validation procedures are required to ensure that the instrument accurately reflects local workplace experiences.

Applications

The LIPT-45 can be applied in several areas:

Occupational Psychology

For studying workplace climate, organizational relationships, and patterns of psychological aggression.

Human Resource Management

For identifying workplace risks and developing prevention strategies against harassment and bullying.

Clinical Psychology

For examining the psychological consequences of prolonged workplace stress and interpersonal mistreatment.

Organizational Research

For investigating the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of workplace mobbing.

The LIPT-45 represents an important tool for understanding workplace psychological harassment by providing a structured assessment of repeated negative behaviors and their potential impact on employee well-being.

References

Leymann, H. (1990). Mobbing and Psychological Terror at Workplaces. Violence and Victims, 5(2), 119–126.

Einarsen, S., Hoel, H., Zapf, D., & Cooper, C. L. (2011). Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace: Developments in Theory, Research, and Practice. CRC Press.

Zapf, D., & Einarsen, S. (2005). Mobbing at work: Escalated conflicts in organizations. In S. Fox & P. E. Spector (Eds.), Counterproductive Work Behavior: Investigations of Actors and Targets. American Psychological Association.

Notelaers, G., & Einarsen, S. (2013). The construction and validity of the Short-Negative Acts Questionnaire (S-NAQ). Work & Stress, 27(3), 235–252.