Experiences of Social Climate for Staff and Patients with BPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Qualitative Study Exploring Social Climate and Interpersonal Relationships with Staff and Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder in Forensic Inpatient Settings.
IRAS ID
306961
Contact name
Hannah Frith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Integrity and Governance Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is recognised that the psychosocial atmosphere of psychiatric settings can influence the emotions and behaviours of staff and patients on an inpatient ward. Within forensic settings, the term ‘social climate’ is used to refer to a construct of material, social and emotional conditions that describe how an inpatient ward is perceived by its staff and residents. Research has established that interpersonal relationships between staff and patients are a fundamental characteristic of social climate in forensic settings.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a diagnostic label applied to people considered to have unstable interpersonal relationships. The construction that individuals with a BPD diagnosis experience profound interpersonal difficulties has potentially contributed to a view that developing therapeutic relationships with this patient group is particularly challenging. It has been suggested that the quality of interpersonal relationships between staff and patients with a diagnosis of BPD may influence social climate in forensic inpatient settings, however research into this area is very limited.
This research will comprise two empirical studies, whereby semi-structured interviews will be conducted with staff and patients with a diagnosis of BPD across several UK forensic wards. These interviews will explore staff and patients perceptions of social climate, with a particular focus on their experiences of interpersonal relationships on the ward. A thematic analysis approach will be used to analyse the data gathered from participants. Findings from this study will raise awareness about how interpersonal difficulties experienced by patients with BPD may influence social climate on forensic inpatient wards.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0030
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion