Do adolescent employees perceive the risks of workplace violence? A mixed methods study

Abstract

Objective: Adolescents are at risk for workplace violence (WPV) exposure but may not perceive it as a risk. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescent employees’ perceptions of safety from WPV.

Methods: Using a qualitative dominant mixed methods design, 30 adolescent employees were recruited to complete a 36-item survey and individual interviews. Analyses included descriptive statistical techniques for survey responses, conventional content analysis for qualitative interview data, and mixed data analyses to explore differences in qualitative themes based on WPV exposure and gender.

Results: Participants expressed mostly positive perceptions of safety despite 50% (n = 15) reporting WPV exposure. WPV exposure and gender did not appear to be associated with overall perceptions of safety but may be associated with safety in numbers. Most males had positive perceptions of safety.

Conclusions: Adolescent employees want and deserve WPV training. Recommendations for nurses and other health professionals to assist adolescents with addressing health and safety issues in the workplace are provided.