The mental health effects of whistleblowing: reflections on working with whistleblowers
| Date | 10 June 2024 |
| Pages | 1357-1369 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-04-2024-0051 |
| Published date | 10 June 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Nigel MacLennan |
The mental health effects of
whistleblowing: reflections on
working with whistleblowers
Nigel MacLennan
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to delve into the complex relationship between whistleblowing and mental
health. It explores the various psychological burdens and costs associated with reporting wrongdoing,
and the factorsthat exacerbate these burdens.
Design/methodology/approach –A collation of experiences and shared observations drawn from
workingwith many whistleblowers across severalindustries.
Findings –The damage done, by the wrongdoers who retaliate against heroes of integrity (aka,
whistleblowers), in most cases,destroys the lives and mental health of the person who does their civic,
moral or legalduty, to address the illegalities they found. The Statedoes not protect those who protect the
State from harm done to the State.In the UK, the State, by its lack of support, further damages heroes of
integrity, and witnessing that may encourage future potential whistleblowers to stay silent, thus
encouragingmore wrongdoing, which harmsthe State.
Research limitations/implications –The pattern of attacks on whistleblowers by wrongdoers is highly
predictable, as are the mental health consequences that follow. More research is needed to identify the causal
chain that directly links the pattern of whistleblower retaliation to the devastating mental health harm that follows.
Practical implications –The mental health and reputational harm done to whistleblowers by the retaliation
they suffer, in the vast majority of cases, both removes them from making a contribution to the economy and
renders them dependent on the State, for life. The harm done to whistleblowers by the wrongdoers, with no
viable means of legal redress being available for whistleblowers, sends a chilling signal to anyone who would
seek to expose organisational wrongdoing.
Social implications –If a society asks itscitizens to comply with the law and imposes a moral, ethical
and evenlegal duty on its citizensto address any wrongdoingthey witness and yet doesnot protect those
citizens from retaliation by the wrongdoers,then that society cannot expect citizensto do the right thing.
Thatis evidenced by the fact that most peoplechoose silent complicitywhen they encounterwrongdoing.
Originality/value –Until whistleblowing law protects right-doers from wrongdoers, those who are
contemplatingprotecting society from organisational crimes would be welladvised to join the vast ranks
of the silentlycomplicit rather than have theirlives destroyed.
Keywords Retaliation, Mental health, Double bind, Mental health effects of whistleblowing,
Whistleblowing detriment, Working with whistleblowers
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
Whistleblowing is the act of exposing wrongdoing going on in organisations. It is a critical
safeguard against fraud, mismanagement, misgovernance, false reporting, misconduct,
corruption and worse.
It ensures transparency and accountability and protects the public interest. However, the
act of whistleblowing often comes at a devastating personal cost, particularly for the
whistleblower’s mental health.
Nigel MacLennan is based
at the School of Education
and Psychology, University
of Bolton, Bolton, UK.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-04-2024-0051 VOL. 28 NO. 6 2024, pp. 1357-1369, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jPAGE 1357
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