A factor analysis of the Work Harassment Scale by Bjorkqvist, Osterman and Hjelt
Back [ 1992], led to the elaboration of two subscales of covert, or disguised, aggression. These
are referred to as rational-appearing aggression and social manipulation. Subjects were required to
assess to the extent to which they had been victims of various types of aggressive behavior. The
assessments were made on a five point scale ranging from 0 to 4 ("never" to "very often"). They
also indicated whether the aggressor(s) had been male or female.