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The antecedents of violence and aggression within psychiatric in-patient settings

  • Chris Papadopoulos
    ,
  • J. Ross
    ,
  • D. Stewart
    ,
  • C. Dack
    ,
  • K. James
    ,
  • Len Bowers
  • University College London
    ,
  • King's College London
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the types and proportions of antecedents of violence and aggression within psychiatric in-patient settings. Method: Empirical articles and reports with primary data pertaining to violence and aggression within adult psychiatric in-patient settings were retrieved. For each study, prospective antecedent data were extracted. The extracted antecedent data were thematically analysed, and all higher-level themes were meta-analysed using rate data. Results: Seventy-one studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 59 distinct antecedent themes were identified and organised into nine higher-level themes. The higher-level antecedent theme ‘staff–patient interaction’ was the most frequent type of antecedent overall, precipitating an estimated 39% of all violent/aggressive incidents. An examination of the staff–patient interaction themes revealed that limiting patients freedoms, by either placing some sort of restriction or denying a patient request, was the most frequent precursor of incidents, accounting for an estimated 25% of all antecedents. The higher-level themes ‘patient behavioural cues’ and ‘no clear cause’ also produced other large estimates and were attributed to 38% and 33% of incidents overall. Conclusion: This review underscores the influence that staff have in making in-patient psychiatric wards safe and efficacious environments.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 425-439

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica (Volume 125, Issue 6)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/06/2012

Publication status

Published - 01/06/2012

ISSN

0001-690X

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/230432
  • Scopus: 84860836832

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