Consumer sexual relationships in a Forensic mental health hospital: Perceptions of nurses and consumers

Abstract

The management of consumer-related risk is paramount in a secure forensic mental health facility. However, the consequent risk aversion presents a major barrier to consumers forming sexual relationships in a manner that is open and accepted. Investigation of the views of nurses working in forensic mental health settings on this topic is limited, and even more so for consumers of services. This qualitative exploratory study was undertaken to elicit the views of consumers and nurses about forming sexual relationships within this long-term and secure setting. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 nurses and 10 consumers. The benefits of, and barriers to, sexual relationships was identified as a major theme, and these findings are the focus of this paper. Nurse responses included the subthemes 'supportive factors' and 'potential dangers', reflecting their qualified support. Consumer responses included the subthemes 'therapeutic', 'feeling normal', 'restrictions and barriers', and 'lack of support and secrecy'. The importance of sexual relationships was clearly articulated, as was the difficulties in forming and maintaining them within the forensic setting. More open discussion about this commonly-avoided issue and the education of nurses and other health professionals is required.

Identifying and addressing sexual health in serious mental illness: Views of mental health staff working in two National Health Service organizations in England

“…; Hughes et al . ; Quinn & Happell ). Little is known about current practice from the perspective of mental health staff, although research indicates that sexual health is an area that is overlooked and ignored, and that there is genuine concern about raising the topic for fear of causing embarrassment and potential distress (Quinn et al .…”

Sexuality and intimacy among people with serious mental illness: a qualitative systematic review

“…6 In terms of potential psychosocial supports, the area of human sexuality continues to present challenges to practitioners within the mental health professions. 7,8 Several studies have highlighted issues around unmet needs regarding intimate and sexual relationships among people diagnosed with SMI. [9][10] Where challenges in issues around sexuality and forming intimate relationships exist, some basic psychological needs may also remain unfulfilled.…”

First-person narratives around sexuality in residential healthcare settings: a meta-ethnographic synthesis

“…Two papers by the same authors were based upon the same research data (Quinn & Happell, 2015a, 2015b. Participants' ages ranged from 18-101, although two papers did not specify the age range of participants beyond citing the average age (80 years; Frankowski & Clark, Figure 1 2009) or age bracket (50-60 and 70+ years, Nay, 1992).…”