Psychiatric violence and mental health activism: a qualitative study
Keywords:
Psychiatric violence, Activism, First-person movement, Human rights, Social Work, Qualitative researchAbstract
Currently, there is strong criticism related to the violation of human rights in hospital settings and other psychiatric resources. This article explores the experiences and perspectives of activists from the first-person movement regarding psychiatric violence. Its aim is to highlight psychiatric violence by calling into question the responsibility of social workers who carry out their work in these settings. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Five discussion groups (n=32) were conducted between December 2021 and March 2022. The sampling was intentional, consisting of people who have experienced various psychiatric services and who participate in first-person collectives, groups, or associations. The information gathered was analyzed with the support of Atlas.Ti 23 software. The results show that involuntary hospitalizations, mechanical restraints, overmedication, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are identified as forms of psychiatric violence. Additionally, more subtle forms of violence were identified and categorized under the concept of epistemic injustice. A comparison is made with academic and scientific literature regarding the different forms of psychiatric violence identified. Existing literature largely supports the complaints and demands expressed by the first-person movement, as do various international organizations. There is a need to reflect on the role of professionals and academics in perpetuating or mitigating these forms of violence and to collaborate with activists from the first-person movement to promote a shift toward fairer and more respectful practices.
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