Aggression Management in an Adolescent Forensic Unit

Abstract

The present study aimed at describing and evaluating the effectiveness of a comprehensive aggression management program in an adolescent forensic unit. Six-month trends in figures for aggressive behaviors against staff, and rates and characteristics of physical interventions to control aggression were studied over 2 years using irregularity reports from the study unit, and structured forms filled in by the nursing staff immediately after each event. Events of verbal and physical aggression decreased as the implementation of the aggression management program stabilised. Physical interventions became shorter over time. Injuries to the staff became less frequent. A systematic and comprehensive aggression management program allows improvement of aggression management without increasing use of coercion. As the use of coercion decreases, the staff injuries decrease.