Workplace Assault: An Emerging Job Stressor

Increasing attention to violence in the workplace has raised questions regarding the psychological impact of workplace assaults. This article examines the psychological effects of physical assault at the workplace as well as the effects of more traditional psychological job stressors among some 5,000 public service employees. Workers who were assaulted were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and low job satisfaction than their nonassaulted coworkers. Evidence for a moderating effect of work-related social support on the relationship between assault and depressions is noted.