A Review on the Conceptualizations of Aggression and Anger Among

Abstract

This chapter aims to define aggression and anger in line with the literature and emphasize the effects and causes of aggression and anger on healthcare staff, patients and the healthcare institution and identify the measures that can be taken based on the literature. The most important factor that renders the healthcare sector different from other service sectors is that the health conditions of the individuals served are interlinked with psychological problems the patients and their relatives suffer themselves. As the patients begin to perceive their situation realistically, their increased levels of tension and anxiety evolve into anger over time. Feelings of anger, aggression and hostility that cannot be expressed in appropriate ways can cause serious health problems. In this context, the use of effective communication strategies and methods by healthcare professionals can help the patients understand their aggressive behaviors better and eliminate them. In recent years, the prevalence of attacks on healthcare workers has gradually increased. The fact that the aggressive actions have negative consequences for both service users and healthcare workers makes it necessary to deal with this issue and to take proactive measures. In this chapter, aggression and anger are examined in terms of patient and healthcare staff dimension and relevant suggestions are made to overcome this problem.