Multiple Perspectives on Assault: The 360-Degree Interview

Workplace violence is common in health care settings. The authors review various models of this violence that have developed over time. From a linear model, understanding progressed to an interactional and then to a contextual model of assault that examines interactions of the aggressor, victim, and the environment. To date, there has not been a satisfactory research methodology to explore the complexities of the contextual model. This article proposes the 360-degree evaluation as an appropriate methodology for examination of multiple perspectives on assault. The 360-degree model allows comparison of perspectives of the assailant, victim, victim's peers, and victim's supervisor. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2009; 14(6), 413-420.