Thematic Analysis of Mental Health Nurses’ Views of Contributing Factors Fueling Workplace Violence in Psychiatric Hospitals: Insights From Unsung Soldiers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against mental health nurses is an international phenomenon that sparks concerns for nurses’ safety and mental health. This phenomenon has recently arisen as a crucial concern in the Middle East as it has become pervasive and has negative implications, causing nurses to accumulate psychological and emotional distress. However, no research has yet investigated the contributing factors of this phenomenon in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals from the nurses’ perspectives. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to workplace violence in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals from the perspective of mental health nurses. METHOD: An exploratory, qualitative design was utilized. Using audio-recorded, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, a purposive sample of 24 mental health nurses were interviewed to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Four overarching themes were identified: Peak Time of Violence, Unavoidable Part of the Job, Poor Organization and Lack of Policy, and Bite the Bullet. CONCLUSION: From nurses’ perspectives, an in-depth understanding of factors contributing to workplace violence provides a foundation for developing preventive interventions, improving work environment safety, and promoting nurses’ mental health. Prevention strategies and further studies are warranted to limit this phenomenon.