Beyond the frontlines: examining healthcare chaplains’ experiences of workplace violence
AI Summary
Over half (52%) of chaplains experienced workplace violence in the prior 30 days, yet most incidents went unreported to managers, administrators or law enforcement.
Workplace violence correlated with higher turnover intent and emotional strain, reflecting normalisation of violence and insufficient institutional support for chaplains.
Findings underscore urgent need for targeted interventions, policy development, and research to enhance chaplain safety, reporting procedures and overall well-being.
J Health Care Chaplain. 2026 May 8:1-14. doi: 10.1080/08854726.2026.2667114. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Workplace violence (WPV) is a growing concern within healthcare, yet little attention has been given to its impact on chaplains. The current study examines the prevalence, reporting behaviors, and consequences of WPV among 327 healthcare chaplains across diverse care settings. Approximately 52% of respondents reported experiencing violence within the 30 days preceding the study; however, the vast majority did not report these incidents to their managers, healthcare system administration, or law enforcement. Experiences of WPV were associated with increased turnover intent and higher emotional strain. Results underscore the normalization of violence amongst chaplains as well as the institutional gaps in supporting healthcare workers who experience WPV. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted interventions, policy development, and further research to enhance chaplain safety and well-being within the healthcare setting.
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