Aggressive Incidents on the Long-Stay Closed Ward: An Experience Sampling Study

IntroductionAggression in psychiatric settings is a significant occupational hazard, particularly for nurses working on long-stay closed wards. This study investigates (1) the behavioural and emotional consequences of aggressive incidents for nurses at a psychiatric long-stay closed ward; (2) whether these emotional states and experiences are associated with functioning both in personal and professional life and (3) whether these emotional states and experiences predict future occurrence of aggressive incidents.MethodThis study utilised the experience sampling method to collect real-time data from nurses working on a long-stay closed admission unit within a mental healthcare institution in the Netherlands.ResultsA total of 946 questionnaire responses were yielded. Aggression incidents were associated with a negative atmosphere at the ward and increased use of de-escalation techniques. The nurses' emotional state at the start of the day was associated with a change in their perception of the ward atmosphere. Gender, age and work experience were not associated with aggressive incidents.ConclusionThese findings suggest taking care of nurses' emotional well-being before shifts start may alter the way nurses are able to react with de-escalating behaviour to reduce aggression incidents in long-term psychiatric care. Preserving an agreeable ward atmosphere may prevent new aggression incidents.