Objective To understand the contributing factors of nurses′ attribution bias of workplace violence (WPV), and to provide basis for correcting nurses′ attribution bias and reducing the incidence of WPV. Methods Descriptive phenomenological method was used to conduct paired semi-structured interviews with 30 nurses in 10 groups based on three-dimensional attribution theory, and the interview data were analyzed by Colaizzi′ s seven-step analytical method. Results Three themes were extracted, including internal factors (working years, educational backgrounds, personality characteristics, and history of violence exposure), external factors (working departments, shifts, and social support) and psychological factors (psychological resilience, job burnout, and empathy). Conclusion Nurses′ attribution bias of WPV is affected by internal,external, and psychological factors. Managers should optimize professional environment and department atmosphere, carry out regular experience sharing meetings and trainings, and provide positive support to nurses. On this basis, nurses should actively learn and accumulate experience, and gradually improve their psychological quality, so as to help them rationalize attributions of violence.