ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the use of online support groups among workplace bullying targets. It determines the increase in online support groups and their numerous well-documented benefits might encourage bullied individuals to choose to participate in these groups. The chapter investigates individual's motives for accessing online support groups; the perceived benefits and disadvantages of this participation; how this involvement helps individuals cope with workplace bullying. Inductive thematic analysis was applied and identified four recurrent themes which reflected participant's online experiences: unique features of online support groups; searching for support; impact of online groups; negative experiences. The chapter indicates that targets of workplace bullying generally benefit from accessing online groups, there are several disadvantages, which are also associated with such groups. Workplace bullying has received increasingly more attention within the field of occupational psychology due to its damaging consequences to individuals and organizations alike.
