Validation of the Defining Characteristics of Potential for Violence

Abstract

A high incidence of violence occurs in contemporary society, which is reflected in the violence exhibited by psychiatric patients. To validate the defining characteristics of potential for violence, 125 registered nurses were asked to rate the relevance of defining characteristics of the diagnosis. A diagnostic content validity index was used to ascertain which defining characteristics the nurses believed to be the most critical in the identification of violence potential. Nine major and 20 minor characteristics were identified by these nurses.

Interventions for Risk for Suicide and Risk for Violence

“…Nursing interventions by skilled clinicians serve as a vehicle or modality to prevent injury and to help patients through problem-solving exercises within the context of precipitating events, the environment, and relationships. Data support the value of accurate assessments as a key factor in the intervention process (Lanza et al, 1994(Lanza et al, , 1996Smith et al, 1994).…”

“…Data support the value of accurate assessments as a key factor in the intervention process (Lanza et al, 1994(Lanza et al, , 1996Smith et al, 1994). Nursing interventions by skilled clinicians serve as a vehicle or modality to prevent injury and to help patients through problem-solving exercises within the context of precipitating events, the environment, and relationships.…”

“…A first step in averting violent behavior is to identdy signs of impending aggression through astute assessment (Lanza, Kayne, Hicks, & Milner, 1994;Lanza, Kayne, Pattison, Hicks, & Islam, 1996;Smith et al, 1994). Progression beyond assessment, to planning and intervention, has not been studied at an equivalent level.…”

A Validation Study of the Nursing Diagnosis Anxiety in Brazil

“…There is still a limited number of master's and doctoral programs in Brazil and, thus, a limited number of nurses with histories of publication in refereed international journals, presentations, and research in nursing diagnosis. This situation does not promote the achievement of the level of expertise needed in the area of nursing diagnosis as specialization occurs at master's level (Smith, Czicman, & Early, 1994). The adequate preparation of undergraduate and postgraduate nurses in nursing diagnosis is of urgent importance.…”

Who Are the Experts? A Commentary on Nursing Diagnosis Validation Studies

“…A convenience sample of staff nurses employed on psychiatric units was used in a content validation study of potential for violence (Smith et al, 1994). Only 13% of this sample had a master's degree.…”