Effectiveness of anger-focused emotional management training in reducing aggression among nurses

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a 5-h training programme on anger-focused emotional management for nurses and verify its effectiveness.

Design: The study used a one-group pretest-posttest design.

Methods: Participants (N = 283) attended a programme comprising lectures and exercises. The Japanese version of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire was administered pre-, post- and 3-month posttraining. Regression analyses were used to assess the effects of the programme by gender.

Results: For the total aggression score, the difference between the pre- and posttraining scores was -2.827 points and remained at -1.602 points 3-month posttraining. Physical aggression scores decreased posttraining, but the scores increased after 3 months. There were statistically significant gender differences in hostility scores; pre-training scores were slightly higher for men than for women and lower for men after 3 months. Total and physical aggression scores were higher for men than for women. The training programme decreased aggression, and the effect persisted after 3 months.

Keywords: aggression; anger management; inappropriate care; nurse; patient safety.