The Impact of Workplace Violence on Work-Related Stress, Burnout, and Psychological Well-Being Among Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Workplace violence represents a major occupational hazard in healthcare settings and has been increasingly recognized as a significant threat to healthcare workers’ psychological well-being. Exposure to aggressive behaviors may contribute to work-related stress, burnout, and adverse mental health outcomes, ultimately affecting workforce sustainability and quality of care. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available evidence on the relationship between workplace violence, work-related stress, burnout, and psychological well-being among healthcare professionals working in hospital settings.

Methods: The review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus, including studies published in English between January 2021 and January 2026. Eligibility criteria were defined using the Population–Concept–Context framework. Data were extracted and synthesized through a descriptive and thematic analysis.

Results: Twelve studies were included in the review. Most adopted a cross-sectional design and were conducted across diverse geographical settings. Verbal and psychological aggression emerged as the most commonly reported forms of workplace violence. Burnout was the most frequently investigated outcome, with consistent evidence showing higher levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional accomplishment among exposed healthcare workers. Workplace violence was also associated with increased occupational stress, anxiety, depression, emotional distress, post-traumatic symptoms, poorer mental health, and lower job satisfaction. Organizational factors, including social support, workplace safety, and organizational climate, appeared to influence the impact of violent incidents on workers’ well-being.

Conclusions: The available evidence identifies workplace violence as a significant psychosocial risk factor associated with burnout, occupational stress, and poorer psychological well-being among healthcare professionals. Preventive organizational strategies and supportive work environments may play a key role in mitigating its negative consequences and promoting healthier and safer healthcare workplaces.