The lived experience of seclusion in a psychiatric hospital

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Authors
Mullins, Lesley
Advisor
Arndt, Mary J.
Issue Date
1995
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Nursing
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of this Heideggerian phenomenological study was to understand the meaning of the lived experience of seclusion in a psychiatric hospital. Five people with a long standing mental illness who had spent time in a locked seclusion room in a psychiatric hospital were asked to describe their experience in seclusion.Consistent with the method, purposive sampling was used in order to obtain an understanding from those who had lived the experience of seclusion and could articulate their experience. Interviews were audiotaped and the data were transcribed by the researcher. Audiotapes were destroyed when the study was completed. Transcribed data were shared with other researchers who were familiar with Heideggerian phenomenology and hermeneutics for the purpose ofgaining insight into the interpretations. When data were shared, names of participants and other identifying information were removed. Sharing of data for purpose of interpretation is inherent in the Heideggerian method as described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989). Data were analyzed using Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner's (1989) seven stages. The following patterns emerged constituted pattern- Seclusion, A Paradox Being Powerless yet Hopeful with the supporting themes of 1.) Being Punished, 2) Being Abandoned, and 3) An Opportunity for Reflection and Self Growth.

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