Workplace violence and insecurity might make psychiatric staff more accepting of coercion

Do violent workplaces change how mental health professionals view patient rights? New research shows that psychiatric staff who regularly experience physical assaults or feel insecure tend to hold less critical views on using coercive patient measures. Workplace violence and insecurity might make psychiatric staff more accepting of coercion.

Workplace violence and insecurity might make psychiatric staff more accepting of coercion PsyPost Mental Health Social Psychology Cognitive Science Neuroscience About No Result View All Result Join My Account PsyPost No Result View All Result Home Exclusive Mental Health Workplace violence and insecurity might make psychiatric staff more accepting of coercion by Vladimir Hedrih August 25, 2026 Reading Time: 3 mins read [Adobe Stock] Share on Twitter Share on Facebook A study examining attitudes of German psychiatric staff towards coercion in psychiatry found that older individuals, those working in forensic psychiatry, those with greater feelings of insecurity, those more frequently exposed to physical violence, and those with a greater emotional burden from verbal violence tended to hold less critical attitudes towards coercive measures. Those who used coercive measures more often also tended to be less critical towards them. The paper was published in Comprehensive Psychiatry.

Coercive measures in psychiatry are interventions used without a patient’s consent when clinicians believe they are necessary to prevent serious harm or allow essential treatment to take place. They can include involuntary hospitalization, physical restraint, seclusion, forced medication, and, in some circumstances, other forms of compulsory treatment. Such measures are most commonly considered when a person experiencing a severe mental health crisis poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.

They may also be used when a person is unable to make informed treatment decisions and failure to provide care could result in serious deterioration or harm. Because coercive interventions restrict fundamental rights such as personal liberty and bodily autonomy, their use raises important ethical and legal questions.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions and treatment options.