Course: Mental Health Nursing
Topic: Clinical Manifestations of Anger and Violence
The Nurses International Community
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI). All rights reserved. No copying without permission. Members of the Academic Network share full proprietary rights while membership is maintained.
NI Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Module Goals
Learners will be able to:
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Anger, Aggression and Violence
Baron & Richardson, 1994
as cited on Jhangiani & Tarry, 2014
Image by: Maxipixel
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Violence
According to Jhangiani & Tarry (2014),
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Anger
The Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development, n.d.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
What Causes Anger?
The Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development, n.d.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Discuss the difference between anger and aggression and provide examples.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Every Individual is Different When it Comes to Anger
The experience of anger is influenced by:
The Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development, n.d.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Common Ways People Deal with Anger
The Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development, n.d.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Factors that Influence the Anger Response
The above responses are influenced by:
The Centre for Youth AOD Practice Development, n.d.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Clinical Signs of Anger
Angry thoughts may be accompanied by:
Verbal expressions: Yelling, arguing, profanity, and sarcasm.
Physical Expression: Clenched fist, throwing things , breaking things or hitting a wall.
Note: Sometimes, anger is not expressed externally but remains as internal rumination
Mind Diagnostic, 2021
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
How to Keep Anger at Bay?
Anger management doesn’t mean ignoring what one is feeling and waiting for the feelings to pass.
American Psychological Association, 2005
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Aggression
American Psychological Association, 2012
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Potential Reason for Aggression
Note: The characteristic and risk factor of aggression varies with different age groups
Mind Diagnostic, 2021
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Aggressive Behavior
Liu et.al, 2013
Age Group | Characteristic | Risk Factors |
Toddlers | Crying, screaming, biting, kicking, throwing, and breaking objects. Aggressive behavior peaks before age two. | Genetic, biological, environmental, imitation, poor parenting |
School Aged Children | Teasing, irritability, bullying, fighting, cruelty to animals, and fire-setting. Non-physical aggressive behavior increases. | Genetic, biological, environmental, imitation, poor parenting |
Image by: Maxipixel
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Aggressive Behavior
Liu et.al, 2013
Age Group | Characteristic | Risk Factors |
Adolescents | Serious aggressive behavior, violence appear. Gang fighting, stealing, rape, sexual assults, dating violence. | Learned aggressive behavior in childhood, depression, family and other relationship difficulties, and a family history of suicide, substance abuse |
Image by: Pixabay
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Aggressive Behavior
Liu et.al, 2013
Age Group | Characteristic | Risk Factors |
Adults | Domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, and homicide. | substance use, brain injury |
Elderly | Pain, discomfort Aggressive behavior aimed at fellow, care providers, | Alzheimer’s disease, confusion, misunderstanding of motives. Multifactorial etiology |
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Critical Thinking Exercise
The nurse reinforces the behavioral contract for a child having difficulty controlling aggressive behaviors on the psychiatric unit. Which of the following is the best rationale for this method of treatment?
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Preventive Strategies for Aggression
Age Groups | Strategies |
Toddlers |
|
School Aged Children |
|
(Liu et.al, 2013)
Image by: Free SVG
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Preventive Strategies of Aggression
Liu et.al, 2013
Age Groups | Strategies |
Adolescents |
|
Adults |
|
Image by: Maxipixel
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Preventive Strategies of Aggression
Liu et.al, 2013
Age Groups | Strategies |
Elderly |
|
Image by: Pixabay
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
How Anger Differs from Aggression
American Psychological Association, 2012
ANGER | AGGRESSION |
A normal and typical feeling associated with hostile thoughts, physiological arousal and maladaptive behaviors | Is a decision, an intentional behavior that aims to harm another person |
Expressed through loud verbalizations | Might involve physical assaults, battery that ends up criminal justice |
May not be expressed for dominance and control | Often reflects a desire for dominance and control |
People often want to act aggressively when angry but, not all anger ends in aggression | Aggression may cause impulse and violence |
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Aggressive Behaviour Among Nursing Professionals
Liu et.al, 2013
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Think for a moment about situations that anger you.
Are these likely to create aggressive behaviors?
If so, how might you change your behavior to reduce the likelihood of being aggressive?
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Violence
WHO, 2017a
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Types of Violence
WHO, 2017a
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Types of Violence
WHO, 2017a
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Violence
WHO, 2017a
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Homicide
WHO, 2017b
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Homicide
Prevention:
WHO, 2017b
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Youth Violence
WHO, 2017c
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Youth Violence
Preventions:
WHO, 2017c
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Critical Thinking Exercise
A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized in a psychiatric unit because he initiates frequent fights with peers.
Which implementation is most appropriate?
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Intimate Partner Violence
WHO, 2017d
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Sexual Violence
WHO, 2017e
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Elder Abuse
WHO, 2017f
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Child Maltreatment
WHO, 2017g
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Nurse’s Role in Anger, Aggression and Violence
Nurses who have worked with people who are aggressive or violent have reported the following reactions:
State of Queensland, 2010
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Nurse’s Role in Anger, Aggression and Violence
State of Queensland, 2010
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Responding to Aggressive or Violent Client
State of Queensland, 2010
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Nurse’s Role in Anger, Aggression and Violence
During face-to-face contact
State of Queensland, 2010
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
What Would a Nurse Do?
The nurse is called into a room where a client suddenly began shouting at a family member.
What should the nurse do first?
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Red Flags
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Cultural Considerations
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Cultural Considerations
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Cultural Considerations
Some Cultures Tolerate violence against women (Devi et.al, 2003)
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
References:
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
References:
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
References:
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Please go to
to provide feedback on your experience.
Thank you, and come back soon!
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.
Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org
© 2013-2026 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.