The results demonstrate the complex interplay between the various factors that contribute to PVV. PVV occurs frequently in general hospitals and manifests predominately in the form of psychological violence. Organizational and workplace characteristics, as well as patient-provider interactions are important contextual factors that can impact the incidence of PVV. Additionally, patients with a disturbed mental health state sometimes react violently during interactions with health care staff (HCS). Nurses are most frequently targeted. In order to better comprehend and prevent violence between patients/relatives and HCS, future research projects should aim to develop a complex model that includes organizational, situational, personnel-related, and interaction-related factors. PVV is a complex occupational hazard for HCS working in general hospitals. In order to reduce the deficit of information regarding this kind of PVV, a systematic literature review that describes and summarizes the current scientific knowledge on this topic was conducted. The literature search identified 84 studies which were analyzed for research quality. Tables, references