Degree Date
7-2024
Document Type
Dissertation - Public Access
Degree Name
Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Academic Discipline
Psychology
First Advisor
Margaret Warner, Ph.D
Second Advisor
Emese Vitalis, Ph.D
Third Advisor
Nicholas Lattanzio, PsyD
Abstract
This study explored inpatient staff’s perspective of verbal de-escalation within a high acuity population as well as the factors that make either a positive or negative impact on the effectiveness of verbal de-escalation as used in high acuity impatient settings. This phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews of 5 participants working in this setting. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, and interviews were conducted via zoom. This study found that participants unanimously agreed that the training they received regarding verbal de-escalation was not sufficient and that employment of certain personality traits and behaviors were more effective than using only the methods of verbal de-escalation they were taught. Participants reported that providing choices for patients, expressing empathy, using humor, validating patient experiences, being self-aware, and avoiding directives were among the many useful skills that have been effective in their experiences of verbally de-escalating patients in crisis. Information gathered from this study suggests that alongside the training provided, making positive human connections with patients plays a vital role in whether verbal de-escalation will be successful.
Recommended Citation
DeZutti, Giovanna, "Inpatient Staff Perspective on Verbal De-escalation within a High Acuity Population" (2024). Dissertations. 842.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/842