The impact of the number of young adults on an inpatient psychiatric unit

Age has been shown to contribute to aggression in inpatient settings. Studies that examine violence in inpatient settings have shown that younger patients have a higher tendency of aggressive behavior toward staff and other patients (Aquilina, 1991; Hillbrand, Foster, & Spitz, 1996; James, Fineberg, Shah, & Priest, 1990; Nijman, Allertz, Merckelbach, a Campo, & Ravelli, 1997; Owen, Tarantello, Jones, & Tennant, 1998). However, though younger age has been associated with higher rates of violence, no studies have been conducted to assess the impact of multiple young adults on the functioning of an inpatient unit. This study evaluates the effect of the number of young adults on unit functioning and whether young adults mix poorly with other age groups.