Exploring forensic mental health service users' views on work: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to capture the views of forensic mental health service users; focusing on how services promote the aspiration to work, the development of skills for work, and the vocational rehabilitation process. It seeks to provide insight into forensic mental health service users' views on the barriers and enablers to accessing work together with suggestions for enhancing practice, and implications for further research.
Design/methodology/approach
Ten participants from a range of forensic mental health services throughout Scotland took part in semi‐structured interviews. Participants were involved in either paid work, voluntary work or work preparation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) allowed exploration of an individual's lived experiences and how they make sense of this.
Findings
Service users valued the opportunity to address vocational issues at the earliest opportunity in their rehabilitation. Work had an overwhelmingly positive impact on mental health. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed three master themes: “Normalising my life”: the positive impact of work; “Gradual steps”: facing barriers; and “Practical help and encouragement”: feeling supported. There is much to gain from good multidisciplinary rehabilitation within secure hospitals and the community, with work playing an important role in recovery and symptom control. Forensic services should focus on employment and the aspiration to work early, demonstrating awareness that attitude and the aspiration to work are a much more reliable indicator of success than diagnosis and mental health symptoms.
Originality/value
Few qualitative studies have investigated service users' views of work within forensic mental health, yet such information can be crucial to enhance and improve service delivery.
Keywords
Citation
McQueen, J.M. and Turner, J. (2012), "Exploring forensic mental health service users' views on work: an interpretative phenomenological analysis", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 168-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636641211254897
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited