Abstract
This study’s objectives were to explore the presence of stress dimensions, the attitudes of staff about responding to violence, and the relationship between the two variables in eight Jordanian public hospitals. A questionnaire measuring the presence of stress dimensions (developed by the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive) and staffs’ attitudes about responses to violence (adopted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), was distributed to 1,130 employees (response rate: 73%). The study found moderate levels of stress and staff’s acceptance of violent responses to violence. A significant positive relationship between the presence of stress dimensions and the acceptance of violent responses to violent behavior was found. Thus, hospitals must develop a clear mission statement, ensure the development and implementation of necessary policies and procedures, establish clear coordination and communication processes, and implement training programs to help staff manage issues related to violence
