Introduction The Tunisian revolution was followed by a flourishing in the freedom of expression, which sometimes exceeds the limits. This resulted in an increase of violence levels, particularly in hospitals, worsening already unfavorable work conditions and exposing young doctors to mental harassment at work (MHW).

Objectives To compare the prevalence and the perception of workplace bullying in interns and residents before and after the revolution and to determine its influence on their quality of life.

Methods A two-step-cross-sectional study, carried out in 2009 and in 2016, among 547 and 667 interns and residents respectively. Data concerning sociodemographic and occupational information were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Workplace bullying was assessed using the Negative Acts Questionnaire Revised (NAQ-R). A person is considered a victim of psychological harassment if he or she has been suffering of any of these acts at least once per week in the last six months. The impact of MHW on the interns and residents’ quality of life was determined using the SF8 ‘health survey’ scale.

Results The prevalence of workplace bullying decreased significantly between 2009 (74%) and 2016 (43.6%) (p <10^-3). It was related to the professional status, gender, seniority, deliberate choice of medicine, satisfaction, serious family problems and hobbies in 2009 while it was related to professional status, nature of specialty, deliberate choice of medical studies and the satisfaction of the practice of Medicine in 2016. Median mental and physical quality of life scores were below the mean baseline scores in both cohorts with no significant difference; and were both significantly influenced by workplace bullying in the two cohorts.

Conclusion Despite the decrease of workplace bullying among young doctors after the Tunisian revolution, its deleterious impact remains troublesome. The promulgation of incriminating legislation and raising awareness about MHW are urgent preventive measures.