This instrumental study describes the development and validation of a
new measure of workplace bullying, entitled Escala de Abuso Psicológico Aplicado en
el Lugar de Trabajo (EAPA-T). Participants included 85 members of numerous Spanish
support associations for targets of bullying selected according to several criteria, such
as being involved in legal claims and receiving psychological support. Using Confirmatory
Factor Analysis for the EAPA-T, three models (one factor, four correlated factors, and
four factors and one second-order factor) were analysed. The results indicated that the
model with four factors and one second-order factor provided the best fit to the data.
A total of 12 items was equally distributed across four categories: Control and
manipulation of the work context, Emotional abuse, Professional discredit and Role
devaluation. Acceptable reliabilities and significant correlations between the EAPA-T
and several health and organizational variables were also found, which all together
provided evidence for its validity. Practical implications regarding the use of the scale
are discussed.