Does abusive supervision lead nurses to suffer from workplace violence? A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Workplace violence is a significant issue in healthcare settings globally.
• Nurses face unique challenges and risks due to the nature of their work.
• Understanding the factors contributing to workplace violence is crucial for improving nurse well-being and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of workplace violence among Chinese nurses.
• To examine the relationships between abusive supervision, psychological symptoms, work ability, and workplace violence.
• To elucidate the mediating role of anxiety and depression symptoms and the moderating role of work ability in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China from September to October 2020.
• 1,221 valid questionnaires were collected from nurses across 100 cities in 31 provinces.
• Statistical analyses, including mediation and moderation, were employed to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• Over two-thirds (67.57%) of Chinese nurses reported experiencing workplace violence in the past year.
• Verbal violence was the most common type, followed by made difficulties and mobbing behavior.
• Abusive supervision and anxiety/depression symptoms were significant predictors of workplace violence.
• Anxiety and depression symptoms partially mediated the link between abusive supervision and workplace violence.
• Work ability moderated this association, with a stronger impact observed in nurses with lower work ability.

Conclusions:

• Workplace violence is highly prevalent among Chinese nurses, manifesting in various forms.
• Abusive supervision and psychological distress are key contributors to workplace violence.
• Interventions aimed at reducing abusive supervision and enhancing nurses' work ability are essential.
• Creating a supportive and harmonious nursing environment is critical for mitigating workplace violence and protecting nurses' mental health.