The Biology of Bullying
Bullying isn’t just behavior- it’s biology.
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. JoNeil Conley breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface of toxic behavior and gives you the tools to respond with clarity, confidence, and courage.
It’s Biology.
In The Biology of Bullying, Dr. JoNeil Conley blends real-world nursing experience, leadership insight, and science-backed understanding to help you make sense of what’s actually happening- both around you and inside your body.
This is a book about you- the nurse juggling patients, families, staffing, and constant pressure. It’s about your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do: keep you alive.
Because workplace bullying isn’t just a people problem- it’s a nervous system injury.
Shift after shift, your body runs on cortisol and adrenaline. Most nurses blame themselves for that. They shouldn’t.
Inside this book, you’ll learn to:
Recognize what’s happening in high-stress moments
Understand the biology behind bullying behavior
Reframe your response so you don’t feel powerless
Lead and communicate with grounded authority
Protect your energy, voice, and integrity
You’ll also learn what nursing school didn’t teach you- how your vagus nerve and neuroception drive your fight, flight, or freeze response.
Backed by decades of experience and research across 300+ hospitals, this book gives you the clarity and tools you’ve been missing.
If you’ve ever left a shift wondering what’s wrong with you-read this first.
The answer isn’t you. It’s the biology.
Meet the Bullyologist
Dr. JoNeil Conley is a nurse, leader, and expert in workplace dynamics with a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
Known for her direct, grounded approach, she helps individuals and organizations navigate conflict, reduce burnout, and create healthier, more resilient environments.
Her work bridges the gap between science and real-life application so you don’t just understand the problem… you know exactly what to do next.