Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses Exposed to Horizontal Violence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• Horizontal violence is a significant stressor for nurses.
• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms are prevalent among nurses exposed to horizontal violence.
• Understanding the interplay of these symptoms is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal predictive relationships between anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in nurses exposed to horizontal violence.
• To identify the most influential symptom within this network using cross-lagged panel analysis.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 298 nurses exposed to horizontal violence across four tertiary hospitals in China.
• Data collected via short surveys at baseline and two follow-ups, 7 weeks apart.
• Cross-lagged panel network analysis used to estimate symptom relationships.

Main Results:

• Uncontrollable worry (A2) and physiological arousal (P2) demonstrated the highest out-expected influence, acting as the most predictive symptoms.
• Uncontrollable worry (A2) was identified as the key bridge symptom, facilitating symptom transmission.

Conclusions:

• Uncontrollable worry and physiological arousal are primary risk factors for mental health deterioration in nurses experiencing horizontal violence.
• These core symptoms significantly predict other psychological issues and drive symptom development.
• Interventions targeting uncontrollable worry and physiological arousal are recommended to enhance nurses' psychological well-being.