“What does not kill me makes me stronger”: Perceived negative and positive consequences of teachers' exposure to violence directed at them

Abstract

AbstractTeachers' exposure to aggression and violence at work has long been associated with numerous negative outcomes. Based on recent models rooted in positive psychology we wished to explore the possibility of positive outcomes alongside the negative ones, as a result of exposure to violence among school teachers. A sample of 20 school teachers working in Central and northern Israel were interviewed regarding their experiences with violence at work. Thematic analysis suggests that alongside the known negative implications and experiences teachers also reported growth, professional validation and other positive experiences. The results are discussed and a possible emergent model of emotional responses to violent events is presented.