Incivility often hides in plain sight—disguised as sarcasm, side comments, or unchecked stress. While some may dismiss it as harmless or “just the way things are,” research tells a different story. From healthcare systems to homes, rude behavior and toxic communication silently erode our cognitive performance, emotional stability, and even safety. Understanding its effects—and how to interrupt them—is essential for protecting your health and the well-being of others.
What Is Incivility?
The American Nurses Association defines incivility as “one or more rude, discourteous, or disrespectful actions that may or may not have negative intent behind them.” It includes behaviors like gossiping, exclusion, poor conflict management, judgmental language, and negative sarcasm.
Unlike bullying—which is often clearly defined and addressed in workplace policies—incivility operates in gray areas. It’s frequently unintentional, often stemming from stress, lack of self-awareness, or underdeveloped communication skills. That subtlety makes it harder to recognize and harder to stop, despite its measurable harm.
A Widespread, Undervalued Problem
Incivility is increasingly common across industries and environments. According to the American Nurses Association, it is a serious and widespread issue—and yet, often goes unaddressed. A 2025 URAC survey found that 76% of employees witnessed or experienced incivility in the past year, a sharp increase from previous years.
Even the military has seen incivility evolve into a culturally embedded norm, where speaking out is discouraged. In schools, students report increased stress, anxiety, and disengagement when incivility is present. At home—supposedly a place of safety—verbal abuse and emotional manipulation create long-term damage, especially in children.
“Children who experience incivility at home are more likely to develop mental health problems in adulthood.”
— Sürücü, 2021
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Why It Matters: The Health Impact of Incivility
Unchecked incivility doesn’t just hurt feelings—it disrupts critical thinking and emotional regulation. Research by Dr. Christine Porath has shown that exposure to incivility:
- Reduces memory and information recall by 17% in witnesses
- Disrupts goal-setting and focus
- Impairs cognitive function, even in those trying to perform well
- Leads to increased errors, safety risks, and poor outcomes—especially in high-stakes settings like hospitals
One study in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that even brief exposure to rudeness significantly reduced cooperation between healthcare team members—compromising patient outcomes.
Other consequences include:
- High turnover, burnout, absenteeism, and disengagement
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation
- Decreased satisfaction and trust in both educational and professional environments
The Danger of Dismissing It
Some believe ignoring rude behavior is a form of resilience. The data says otherwise. Tolerating incivility doesn’t neutralize it—it reinforces it.
Students exposed to disrespect disengage and internalize the harm. Employees report chronic stress and reduced productivity. And in healthcare, being rude to a provider just before a procedure can impair their performance during critical moments.
Building a Culture That Heals, Not Harms
Tackling incivility isn’t about policing people—it’s about creating environments where everyone can connect, perform, and heal. Here’s how to shift the culture:
Practical Culture Shifts That Make a Difference
- Teach respectful communication early and often
Schools, workplaces, and communities should include emotional intelligence and conflict resolution in training programs. - Define and recognize incivility
Set clear behavioral expectations and give people language to identify microaggressions, passive aggression, and other harmful behaviors. - Implement safe and consistent reporting systems
Employees and students need secure channels to report repeated disrespect without fear of retaliation. - Invest in early mental health support
Access to therapy and well-being resources can help prevent long-term damage and reduce workplace burnout. - Model civility from the top
Leaders set the tone. When managers or educators behave with integrity, others are more likely to follow.
“Addressing incivility is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one that requires our unwavering commitment to promoting civility and respect in all aspects of our lives.”
— Accra City University
Final Word: Speak Up, Shift the Culture
Silence allows incivility to thrive—but courage transforms culture. Choosing empathy over sarcasm, clarity over passive aggression, and respect over dismissal creates ripple effects that extend beyond the moment. The result? Healthier environments, safer outcomes, and stronger human connections. You have more power than you think—use it.
