IDENTIFIERS *Harassment; Verbal Abuse

Although studies have examined assaultive behavior by patients toward mental health practitioners, very little research has explored patient violence toward, or harassment of, psychologists in independent practice and at other jobs. To investigate this area, a 17-item questionnaire was sent to independent practitioners in psychology. The questionnaire asked about respondents ' education; extent and location of practice; frequency of verbal abuse, physical attack, and other harassment by patients; and concerns regarding patient violence. Results from 300 returned questionnaires revealed that 81 percent of the practitioners had at least one incident of patient physical attack, verbal abuse, or other harassment in private practice or at another job. Verbal abuse was the most frequently reported event. Physical attacks were about twice as common at jobs in hospitals and clinics than in independent practice. Othe