Occupational Violence and PTSD-Symptoms: A Prospective Study on the Indirect Effects of Violence Through Time Pressure and Nontraumatic Strains in the Occupational Context

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether frequency of occupational violence (OV) affects posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through nontraumatic strains in the occupational context.

METHODS: Twelve-month prospective survey data on 1763 Social educators were used. Path-analysis measured direct and indirect pathways of frequency of OV on PTSD through change in time pressure, change in burnout, change in sense of safety at work, and change in coping with regret in patient work.

RESULTS: Forty-two pct. of the variance in PTSD symptoms was predicted; F (20, 1541) = 36.8, P < 0.001, R = 0.42. Frequency of OV indirectly affected level of PTSD through all the mediators; estimated indirect effects = 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.22.

CONCLUSION: PTSD resulting from OV is not only a result of the violent acts themselves but is also caused by nontraumatic strains. It is essential to include the broader context of work environment factors in prevention of work-related PTSD.