The Development of Violence Research in Psychiatric Nursing: A Bibliometric Perspective

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a growing emphasis on violence-related research in psychiatric nursing, with an annual increase rate of 2.12% in publications and the highest number of publications occurring in 2024. This trend underscores the escalating importance of addressing violence in mental health settings.AimThis study aims to demonstrate the quantitative and qualitative features of violence publications in the field of psychiatric nursing from a bibliometric perspective. Web of Science was used during the research.MethodsThis study employed bibliometric analysis, a methodological approach for delineating the scope of information and assessing productivity within a specific domain. The data were searched with the keyword combination 'violence and psychiatric nursing', including studies published until December 2024, the study date, without a time limit.ResultsIn this study, 464 violence research/reviews in the field of nursing were identified between 2001 and 2025, and the research was completed with 438 violence studies in line with the exclusion criteria. 1493 authors wrote 390 research and 48 review/systematic review articles, with an average of 22.14 citations for each publication. Most were published in 2024.DiscussionThere is an apparent increase in the involvement of psychiatric nurses in studies pertaining to violence. It is proposed that nursing professionals should undertake further research to investigate violence processes and develop ethically sound approaches to patients and healthy individuals, taking into account biopsychosocial factors.Implications for PracticeThese findings collectively suggest that while progress is being made in understanding and addressing violence in psychiatric nursing, there remains a critical need for ongoing research, policy development and practical interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of both nurses and patients in mental health settings.