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

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.

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