Control and restraint in the UK: service user perspectives

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of physical restraint procedures reported by in‐patients of a secure mental health service. Interview data were subjected to thematic content analysis in accordance with grounded theory methodology.Patients had differential experiences of similar physical procedures. Most reported some negative psychological experience of restraint. Anger and anxiety were two major themes. Some respondents held the perception that restraint was used to punish patients and several suggested that restraint incited further violence and aggression. Some female service users reported that restraint evoked flashbacks of previous sexual trauma.A subset of female respondents gave contrasting accounts of restraint, suggesting that they purposely brought about the restraint to gain a sense of containment or as a way to release feelings.Possible implications of these responses for clinical practice are discussed.