Workplace Violence and Its Association with Job Satisfaction and Psychological Outcomes Among Emergency Department Physicians in Türkiye

Objective Workplace violence is a common occupational hazard in emergency departments and may negatively affect physicians’ professional well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of workplace violence among emergency department physicians in Türkiye and to evaluate its association with job satisfaction and psychological outcomes. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 and 15 December 2025 among physicians working in emergency departments across multiple healthcare institutions in Türkiye. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire assessing exposure to workplace violence within the past six months and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with job satisfaction. Results A total of 295 physicians were included, of whom 95.6% reported exposure to at least one type of workplace violence. Verbal violence was the most frequently reported type. Physicians reporting exposure to workplace violence had lower job satisfaction scores, and job satisfaction decreased with increasing number of violence types experienced. Job satisfaction decreased with increasing numbers of violence types experienced. In multivariable analysis, the number of workplace violence types was the only independent predictor of job satisfaction (β = −19.74, p < 0.001). Workplace violence was also significantly associated with burnout and the need for psychological support. Conclusion Workplace violence is highly prevalent among emergency department physicians in Türkiye and is strongly associated with reduced job satisfaction and adverse psychological outcomes, particularly with cumulative exposure. Clinical trial number Not applicable