Theoretical modeling to predict violence in hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Research from a nursing perspective on factors related to psychiatric inpatient violence is lacking. The purpose of the study was to test a nursing theoretical framework of violence using predictive model testing. Data were collected by 57 nursing staff on 162 hospitalized patients in four hospitals. Inconsistencies in the social and therapeutic rules predicted 18% of the violent behavior. Demographic and medical variables contributing to violence were: history of violence towards others, length of hospitalization, and the diagnosis of substance abuse. The findings support the need for further research to identify nursing concepts that contribute to patient violence.