title: Horizontal violence among hospital staff nurses related to oppressed self or oppressed group.
abstract: Horizontal violence among nurses is recognized as a major problem in hospitals; however, the origins and effects on patient care have not been studied. This study described the incidence of horizontal violence among hospital staff RNs and tested 2 hypotheses about the social origins of this behavior. A random sample of 175 hospital staff RNs drawn from the California Board of Registered Nursing's mailing list was surveyed. Horizontal violence was reported by 21.1% (n = 37) of participating nurses. Hypotheses were supported. Findings suggested (a) a positive relationship between beliefs consistent with an oppressed self and horizontal violence (r = .434, P < .05) and (b) a positive relationship between beliefs consistent with those of an oppressed group and horizontal violence (r = .453, P < .05). A change in the oppressive social structure of hospitals may be needed to truly address horizontal violence in the best interest of the quality and safety of patient care.
authors.affiliation: University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117-1080, USA. cmpurpora@usfca.edu
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Purpora
authors.forename: Mary A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Blegen
authors.forename: Nancy A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Stotts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*