The cycle of acceptance: mental health professionals’ experience of workplace violence in a UK community mental health team

Abstract

Purpose

Violence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the community, yet little research has explored practitioner experiences of workplace violence (WPV) outside of inpatient settings. This study aimed to explore how mental health professionals in a UK community mental health team (CMHT) perceive, experience and cope with WPV.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten multidisciplinary professionals based in a CMHT in a UK city. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Three interconnected themes emerged. WPV was accepted as inevitable: participants carried on working despite its impact, and feeling unheard by management they gave up on change, perpetuating the perceived inevitability of WPV. Peer support and organisational resources like debriefing, counselling and occupational health improved coping. Stigma and ideas of professional responsibility were barriers to access.

Originality/value

To mitigate against the negative consequences of WPV, CMHTs could offer peer support initiatives, improve communication and availability of organisational resources and involve staff in post-incident decision-making. Recommendations are made to shift the attitude of acceptance of WPV and encourage help-seeking.

Citation

Parr, H. and Cetrano, G. (2024), "The cycle of acceptance: mental health professionals’ experience of workplace violence in a UK community mental health team", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 29 No. 3, pp. 241-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-04-2023-0020