“You are not what they did to you”: A longitudinal single-case study of workplace violences and identity recovery in Brazil

Abstract Workplace violence is a pervasive and multifaceted phenomenon, encompassing physical aggression, symbolic humiliation, institutional neglect, and transnational forms of harm. These dynamics produce cumulative psychosocial effects, including anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and occupational dysfunction. Early-life traumas, such as emotional neglect and coercive parenting, resurfaced under workplace pressures in this case, amplifying vulnerability and maladaptive coping in adulthood. This study examines how intersecting forms of workplace violence and coping mechanisms shaped the psychological illness and reintegration trajectory of a Brazilian public servant. Using a narrative-informed, longitudinal case study design, self-reported accounts over 24 months were analyzed through thematic content analysis, factorial correspondence, and sentiment analysis. Network visualizations highlighted “occupational stress” and “psychological suffering” as central in early stages, with “self-strengthening” and “autonomy” emerging during recovery. The findings reveal workplace violence as a multi-layered ecosystem of harm that progressively eroded well-being. Resilience initially manifested as survival-oriented compliance but evolved into empowerment and identity reconstruction after relocation to a supportive department. This transformation underscores how organizational climates and leadership practices condition resilience, moving it beyond an individual trait to a relational and context-dependent process. This trajectory illustrates a paradox: while the workplace initially perpetuated harm, it later became the setting for growth when systemic barriers were lifted. Supportive relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and mental health professionals facilitated positive identity reconstruction. These insights challenge organizations to address both structural determinants of violence and the inner narratives through which workers interpret harm. Interventions fostering psychological safety and inclusive leadership are essential to disrupt cycles of suffering and promote sustainable recovery.