Associations Between Workplace Violence and Work Performance Among Nurses: A Longitudinal Study Based on Affective Events Theory

• Published in: Journal of clinical nursing
• Main Authors: Pei, Yifei, Xiao, Yiping, Zhang, Xuan, Lu, Yan'e, Sun, Meng, Lyu, Ran, Cao, Fenglin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 10.07.2025
• Subjects: workplace violence; anxiety; work performance; burnout; depressive symptoms; nurses
• ISSN: 0962-1067; 1365-2702; 1365-2702
• DOI: 10.1111/jocn.70040

This study aims to examine the chain-mediating effects of affective reactions and burnout on the relationship between workplace violence and work performance among nurses while distinguishing between physical and psychological violence. A longitudinal study was conducted between October 2020 and October 2022. The study took place in four tertiary hospitals of Shandong Province, China. A total of 1086 nurses were recruited. Workplace psychological violence, workplace physical violence, work performance, affective reactions (including anxiety and depressive symptoms) and burnout were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Data were analysed using multiple linear regressions and structural equation modelling on SPSS and AMOS. The STROBE checklist was used for this study. Workplace psychological violence, but not physical violence, was associated with nurses' work performance. Burnout mediates the relationship between workplace psychological violence and work performance. Affective reactions and burnout play serial intermediary roles in the relationship between workplace psychological violence and work performance. Interventions aimed at reducing anxiety, depressive symptoms, and burnout among nurses who have experienced psychological violence may enhance their work performance. Hospital administrators should prioritise the development of strategies to prevent psychological violence (e.g., anti-bullying training and counselling support) and enhance nurse performance through burnout screening and targeted interventions. This study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, and relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to social desirability bias. No patient or public contribution.