Interpersonal style and perceptions of the secure care environment.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do patients’ interpersonal style and perceptions of the therapeutic environment impact upon rates of aggression and treatment readiness in secure-care settings?
IRAS ID
235953
Contact name
Jess Holley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Forensic secure-care hospitals are for individuals with mental disorder or neuro-development disorders who are liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) and whose risk of harm to others cannot be managed safely within other settings. There are a significant number of violent incidents in forensic secure care hospitals which impacts on patient care and staff taking time off of work. Additionally, patients' not wanting to engage in treatment programmes has been linked to higher rates of re-offending once released from hospital. An understanding of why higher rates of violent incidences and refusal to engage in treatment programmes in secure-care settings could have significant clinical implications for patient experiences in secure care and treatment.
This study comprises of 2 parts exploring how specific characteristics of forensic patients and their views of the secure environment interact to influences rates of aggression/violence and treatment motivation. Part 1 explores how patients abilities to assess the social and emotional interactions of others (also known as their interpersonal sensitivity) and their views of staff's attempts to control or persuade them to do something (also known as coercive practice) affect levels/rates of aggression, whereas Part 2 explores how attachment style (the impact of childhood care experiences on adults) and perceptions of support impact on treatment motivation and readiness.
This study will be conducted in high and medium secure forensic hospitals with male and female patients of working age (18-65 years old). Participant will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires (with some open-ended questions) on a one-off occasion. Additionally, information will be sought from the participant’s electronic-based clinical notes on the amount of times they have: 1) been verbally or physically aggressive and 2) engaged or refused treatment in the past 12 months. This study will run for no longer than 18 months.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0028
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion