Aggression and violence against home care workers

J Occup Health Psychol. 2004 Jul;9(3):206-219. doi: 10.1037/1076-8998.9.3.206.

Abstract

This article describes the development of the Violence and Aggression in Health Care Questionnaire (VAQ) and the application of the measure in the field of home care. In a 1st sample of 361 German home care workers, the scales of the VAQ reached internal consistencies from .72 to .93. A confirmatory factor analysis gave evidence to the hypothesized factor structure. Significant correlation with indicators of psychophysical strain and health resulted in a 2nd sample of 180 home care workers. In multiple regression analysis based on a 3rd sample of 180 home care workers, verbal aggression by patients was a significant predictor of negative psychological outcomes. The relationship is completely mediated by negative emotional reactions after aggressive incidents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression*
  • Data Collection
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Home Care Services*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychometrics
  • Regression Analysis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Violence*
  • Workforce