Empirical Research

Victim or Initiator?: Certified Nursing Assistants’ Perceptions of Resident Characteristics that Contribute to Resident-to-Resident Violence in Nursing Homes

K. Susan Sifford-Snellgrove, PhD, APN; Cornelia Beck, PhD, RN, FAAN; Angela Green, PhD, RN; Jean C. McSweeney, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN

  • Research in Gerontological Nursing
  • January 2012 - Volume 5 · Issue 1: 55-63
  • DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20110603-01
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Abstract

The purpose of this portion of a larger qualitative study was to explore certified nursing assistants’ (CNAs) perceptions of the characteristics of both the victims and initiators of resident-to-resident violence (RRV) to identify resident characteristics that influence development of RRV. Findings gained from semi-structured interviews revealed that CNAs perceive initiators of RRV to be “more with it” and to have “strong personalities,” a “short fuse,” and “life history” that make them prone to inflict harm on other residents. CNAs described victims of RRV using phrases such as, “they don’t know,” “can’t communicate,” and “gets around good.” The results also revealed that, in some situations, residents who were usually even tempered might strike out with violence if exposed to triggers over time. This study provides the first detailed description of nursing home residents who initiate violence against other residents. Knowledge gained from this study may be useful in generating models of RRV—a precursor to developing interventions for its prevention.

AUTHORS

Dr. Sifford-Snellgrove is Assistant Professor of Nursing, American Nurses Foundation 2010 Hildegard E. Peplau Scholar, and John A. Hartford Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholar, 2008–2010, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Dr. Beck is Professor, Department of Geriatrics, and Louise Herne Chair in Dementia & Long-Term Care, College of Medicine, Dr. Green is Clinical Associate Professor, and Dr. McSweeney is Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director, Tailored Biobehavioral Interventions Research Center, College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Green is also Director of Nursing Research, John Boyd Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Nursing, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This research was funded by the John A. Hartford Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholarship Program.

Address correspondence to K. Susan Sifford-Snellgrove, PhD, APN, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Arkansas State University, PO Box 910, Jonesboro, AR 72467; e-mail: ksifford@astate.edu.

Received: December 31, 2009
Accepted: December 07, 2010
Posted Online: June 15, 2011

doi: 10.3928/19404921-20110603-01

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