Abstract
Occupational violence and aggression (OVA) is an extremely prevalent and concerning issue in all school contexts around the world. International research highlights high prevalence rates of OVA against teachers and identifies a wide range of alarming impacts of OVA on teacher wellbeing. These impacts include risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD, poor sleep, stress, burnout, poor job performance and leaving the profession. The topic of OVA in Australia has been increasing in the media over recent years, as well as the introduction of new OVA prevention strategies. A systematic literature review was conducted to critically analyse and synthesise all of the current available Australian research on the impacts of OVA on teacher wellbeing. The main findings identified that there is a major lack in Australian research and that there are physical and psychological impacts to the many teachers who experience OVA in Australia. This study highlights the gap in Australian research about the effects of occupational violence and aggression on teacher wellbeing, and highlights the need for further in-depth research in Australia.
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Anthea Hickey