Fear is the most significant consequence of direct or vicarious experience of violence and aggression in the workplace. Both entities significantly affect workers' physical and psychological well-being. How does workplace violence/aggression effect workers' well-being? was one of our research question. Our purpose was to identify behaviors of psychological aggression perpetrated by the public which occur more often and to analyze the implications of workplace violence / aggression on individual psychological and physical well-being.
Crosssectional and correlational study, developed on a sample of 131 inspectors (68% women) with an average age of 41.89 years. Collection of data: Physical and Vicarious Violence at Work; Fear of Future Violent Events at Work; Workplace Aggression Questionnaire; General Health Questionnaire.
The prevalence of aggression in the workplace was significant (40% physical; 90% psychological; 76% vicarious and 50% fear). The results showed that the effects of aggression in the workplace on well-being are indirect effects and mediated by fear. Those who experience both physical and vicarious violence feel more fear and fear affects their physical and psychological well-being.
The results convey information which supports conceptualization and assessment models of workplace aggression as a nosologic entity originating in negative physical and psychological experiences lived by individuals in their workplace. Knowledge and a better understanding of the types and dimensions of the phenomenon violence and aggression in the workplace is a powerful support instrument for defining more effective prevention strategies.