Psychiatric Nurses' Reactions to Assault upon Them by Inpatients: A Survey in Taiwan

106 nurses (M age = 28.9, SD = 6.7 yr.) employed by two mental hospitals in northern Taiwan were surveyed about their reactions to assault by inpatients. 84% of the participants reported having been assaulted. “Body soreness in the area where hit” was the most common somatic reaction, “anger” was the most common emotional reaction, and “fear of the patient who assaulted me” was the most common social reaction to assault. Duration of occupational experience, older age, and increased social support were significantly correlated with less severe reactions to assault. Results are similar to those of prior studies of American nurses.