The Legacy of Violent Attack: An Exploratory Study of Occupational Therapy Students' Experiences of Violent Attack

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an understanding of occupational therapy students' experiences of violent attack by a client. A qualitative approach was chosen, which involved semi-structured interviews with three students and an analysis of the researcher's experience of violent attack. A wide variety of reactions to violent attack by a client was reported, including fear, anger, concern for others, minimisation and thoughts about changing career. The explanations for these reactions are reported and discussed. The participants reported changes in their therapeutic relationships with clients. The findings also suggested that there might be some occupational therapy personnel who feel that violence is ‘part of the job’. Three key issues are discussed: the nature of the reactions to violent attack, the perceptions of role and the therapeutic relationship with the client. It is suggested that these findings have important implications for the education and training and the support of occupational therapy students. Recommendations are made regarding the need for further research to inform the way forward in training and supporting those experiencing violence in clinical practice settings.