P-643 - Problem of aggression among psychiatrists

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate dependence between a seniority as well as an exposure to the aggression demonstrated by patients in the workplace and a level of the aggression among the psychiatrists. Material and methods The study was conducted among 132 psychiatrists. Two questionnaires were used in the research: author's questionnaire assessing exposure of the doctors to the aggression in the workplace and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire to evaluate a level of different types of aggression. Results The study showed significant correlation between duration of the seniority and the level of verbal aggression, as well as the level of hostility in psychiatrists. There is also considerable impact of negative emotions present in relations with colleagues at the workplace such as: fear of being criticized, fury, envy and sadness, causing increase of general aggression among psychiatrists. Similarly, negative emotions that may appear in relations between psychiatrists and patients are showing a positive correlation with the level of general aggression developed by doctors. Conclusions The significant increase of general aggression among psychiatrists in conjunction with negative emotions present in relations with colleagues at the workplace show that negative atmosphere at workplace can cause aggressive behavior to patients. These negative emotions and also fear of the contact with the patient, anger directed to the patient or helplessness decrease with the doctors' age. It can be connected with increasing doctor's experience and self-confidence. The level of verbal aggression and the level of hostility decrease with duration of the seniority.