Take Home Messages:

Non-physical violence is violence expressed verbally, or in other non-physical ways. Verbal intimidation, threatening gestures, putting someone down publicly and provoking arguments are all examples of non-physical violence.

Physical violence and non-physical violence are related, and both are problems in the workplace. Employees who experience non-physical violence are seven times more likely to experience physical violence than those who do not.

Programs to reduce workplace violence must target both perpetrators and victims. Reduction of violence can be achieved by adoption, implementation, enforcement and evaluation of policies. 

Why the study matters:

Violence in the workplace is a serious problem. Both physical and non-physical violence are serious occupational health hazards. They have disruptive personal and workplace effects. Previous studies have shown a 13% and 39% prevalence of physical violence and non physical violence, respectively.

This study evaluates the extent to which non-physical is a risk factor for physical violence.  

What the study involved:

The researchers recruited 603 health care professionals from two separate hospitals.

They were asked questions regarding:

• Physical and non-physical violence in the past 12 months;
• The perpetrator of the violence (patient, staff, other); and
• Demographic information (age, gender, race).

Physical violence includes hitting, pushing, throwing objects (which may or may not hit the victim), threatening to use weapons, and unwanted sexual touching.

Non-physical violence includes yelling, swearing at someone, putting someone down publicly, withholding needed information, giving an unreasonable workload, making threatening gestures, harsh criticism, unwanted sexual advances, accusing someone of deliberate error, frightening actions or statements and withholding protection from violence.

Summary of study findings:

The researchers found that non-physical violence is a risk factor for physical violence.

Results demonstrated that:

• People who experience non-physical violence were 7 times more likely to experience physical violence;
• Younger age was associated with increased violence;
• Non physical violence was reported by 73% of employees;
• Employees perpetrated 70% of non-physical violence; and
• Physical violence was reported by 21% of employees.

The researchers believe that in order to combat violence in the workplace, programs need to target employee victims and perpetrators. This can be achieved by education, training and policy.

Policy interventions need to:

• Define non-physical violence;
• Provide procedures and support for filing reports;
• State and enforce consequences for perpetrators; and
• Evaluate efficiency over time.

Original research:

Non-physical violence. A risk factor for physical violence in health care settings

Lanza ML, Zeiss RA, Rierdan J.

AAOHN J. 2006 Sep;54(9):397-402.

Link to PubMed abstract