Aim of the study:
The objective of the study was to find out whether there are differences in the attitudes and perception of patients’ aggression prevalent amongst groups of personnel from Poland and Norway. This issue has yet to be discussed in the subject literature; however, it should be assumed that such differences exist.

Subject or material and methods:
Two tools were used to identify the attitudes of the medical personnel towards aggression: POAS (Perception of Aggression Scale) and ATAS (Attitudes Towards Aggression Scale). The research comprised 280 people – the personnel of psychiatric wards from the psychiatric hospital in Bergen, Norway (n= 140) and from the psychiatric hospitals in Żurawica and Jarosław in Poland (n= 140).

Results:
Statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the attitudes and perception of aggression by the medical personnel in Poland and in Norway (p <0.001). The Norwegian personnel more frequently perceive aggression as positive behaviour, associated with the protection of one’s own territory. On the other hand, the Polish staff more often regard aggression as negative, offensive and intrusive behaviour.

Discussion:
There are differences between the education and health care system in both countries. Education in Norway is strongly focused on communication with patients and their families. Another aspect is the problem of working conditions and the level of economic development. Furthermore, the character of the personnel’s work is also important.

Conclusions:
The perception of aggression towards the medical staff of psychiatric wards in Poland and Norway differ. The manner of education, working conditions and ward culture might influence the attitudes and perception of aggression.