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Experiences of detention under the under the Mental Health Act through the lens of the Power Threat Meaning Framework

Overview

Have you had any experiences of detention under the Mental Health Act in the past 10 years? I'd like to hear from you!

What is this for?
My name is Ana Salgueiro and I am a Trainee Clinical Psychologist. As part of my doctoral research, I am exploring people's experiences of being detained under the Mental Health Act. I am hoping that what participants share can, over time, inform future practice in inpatient pathways.

I also aim to explore whether a psychological framework focusing on how people experience power or loss of control in their lives, may help us understand experiences of detention.

What will taking part entail:

  • A face-to-face or online interview where you share your experience of detention. We expected this to take between 1 to 2 hours, but it is up to you how long you wish to speak for.
  • Interpreter support will be arranged where possible.

Who can take part

  • Adults aged 18 or over.
  • Who have been detained under the Mental Health Act as an adult in the past 10 years.
  • Are comfortable talking about their experience, in their preferred language.
  • Are not currently in hospital or on a Community Treatment Order.
  • Are not currently experiencing high emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
  • Are able to give informed consent.
  • Feel that discussing their experience would be manageable and safe.

Participants will receive a £10 voucher as a small token of appreciation.

 

Are you interested in taking part in this study?

Please fill in this form

Planned end date

01 May 2027 12:54

Conditions

Other

People types

Adult 18+

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must:

  • Be aged 18 or over.
  • Have experienced detention under the MHA resulting in a hospital admission, as an adult, in the last 10 years.
  • Feel able and willing to share their story in their preferred language.
  • Have capacity to make this decision (This will be assessed by the researcher in contacts with the participant and prior to the interview). Participants found to lack capacity at a given time will not be automatically excluded. If appropriate, an alternate interview date/time will be arranged and capacity re-assessed then.
  • Have considered the impact of participation upon their wellbeing and do not think it will cause them psychological
    harm or affect theirs/others safety.

Exclusion Criteria

Exclusion:

  • Under the age of 18
  • No experience of MHA detention as an adult, in the past 10 years.
  • Individuals in hospital or under a Community Treatment order (CTO) at the time of recruitment or interview.
  • Feel that speaking about this experience would be detrimental to current mental health, and/or may increase their risk of harm to self or others.
  • Is assessed to lack capacity throughout recruitment.