NCJ Number
209775
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 23-47
Date Published
2004
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the long-term emotional effects of an incident of workplace violence on a group of employees over a 10-year period of time.
Abstract
Studies show that workplace violence is increasingly becoming recognized as a significant danger faced by both employers and employees. Experiencing the abuse of workplace violence can have significant and immediate emotional effects on employees and their families. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study evaluated the emotional effects of an incident of workplace violence and abuse on a group of employees over a 10-year period which began in 1991. Through this study, an attempt was made to understand the effects of the trauma, the effectiveness of the healing interventions offered, and the longitudinal outcomes. Results indicate that 23 percent of respondents suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 6 months after the event with this number decreasing to 3 percent 10 years after the incident. However, the rate of PTSD was unrelated to the level of physical involvement or danger during the traumatic event. Qualitative findings suggest that those who still suffered from PTSD or its symptom 10 years after the event had experienced additional trauma during the intervening time period. All intervention provided were rated as being helpful by all employees, with the exception of the debriefings and initial family support groups. Some prolonged effects identified included: pregnant employees suffering miscarriages, long-term loss of interest in sexual intimacy, and long-term emotional triggers to reminders of the traumatic event. Tables and references