Research Paper: Outline and References Assignment
Breana Picchiottino
School of Business, Liberty University Online
BUSI 342: Human Resource Management
Professor Shayonne Chrispen
September 8th, 2025
Thesis Statement: As mental illness and workplace violence continue to serve as prevalent
issues within our society, workplace wellness programs that focus on improving the mental
well-being of employees not only improve statistics and enhance productivity, but may also
serve as a preventative measure against extreme acts of workplace violence, including mass
shootings.
Questions/Issues Being Addressed:
I. Introduction of Topic and Thesis Statement (½ page of content)
A. Background on what workplace wellness programs are and the rationale behind their
implementation considering that the industry has tripled in size since 2010 (Jones, et.al,
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2019). (1 page of content)
II. Current Factors at Play in the Workforce
A. Evaluation of current workplace mental health statistics including stress, burnout, and
drops in productivity (Wellhub Editorial Team, 2025). (1 page of content)
B. Evaluation of the rise and prevalence of workplace violence with an emphasis on the
study of workplace mass shootings and their significant role in mass shooting statistics
(Pereira, 2023). (1 page of content)
C. Exploring the link between poor mental health and rising mental illness and their
contribution towards workplace violence and mass shootings (Voice of America, n.d.). (1
page of content)
III. Connecting Workplace Wellness with Workplace Violence
A. Evaluation of workplace wellness programs such as employee assistance programs and
their potential prevention of workplace violence (Employee Assistance Programs…,
(n.d.). (½ page of content)
B. Assessment of organizational culture change through programs such as psychological
safety climates (Amoadu, et.al, 2024). (½ page of content)
C. Assessment of behavioral modification and mental health improvement through
workplace wellness programs (Emerson, et.al, 2017). (¾ page of content)
IV. Conclusion (¼ page of content)
2
References
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mistreatment and improving workers’ mental health: a scoping review of the
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https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01675-z
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