Catastrophe theory: Application of nonlinear dynamics to assault victim responses

Abstract

Abstract Victim responses to assault have been generally framed by linear explanations. Nonlinear dynamics, particularly catastrophe theory, can be used to explain a particular clinical problem in nursing—blame for assault. Catastrophe theory is useful for understanding some of the unexpected findings, such as staff victims being blamed by themselves and others more in mild assault situations than in other types of assault situations, and female victims being blamed more than male victims in situations of verbal abuse only and severe assault situations but not in mild assault situations. The term “blaming catastrophe” has been coined to describe the process.