Men and Masculinities in Forensic Psychiatric Care: An Interview Study Concerning Male Nurses' Experiences of Working with Male Caregivers and Male Patients

Abstract

Forensic psychiatric care is largely populated by men--as patients, caregivers, and nurses. Previous research has not focused on the meaning of gender in this context. The aim of this study is to analyse male nurses' experiences of working with male caregivers and attending to male patients in forensic psychiatric care. Data were collected through interviews with six male nurses. The results consist of five themes. Protection and defence are key aspects of care and male caregivers gain status and authority through their physical strength. This could hamper caring and provide male caregivers with a superior position in the department.

Caring in Correctional Nursing

“…Foster et al (2009) and Weiskopf recognized their findings may not be transferable to all settings. Kumpula and Ekstrand's (2009) Swedish study met the inclusion criteria, yet was different when compared with other studies. Male nurses' culture of masculinity may impact the "caring culture" and how they care for male patients (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009).…”

The impact of masculinity upon men with psychosis who reside in secure forensic settings

“…Although forensic psychiatric care is primarily populated by men who have committed violent acts, there is limited research focusing upon the meaning of masculinity in this context (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009). This is in spite of evidence which shows that maladaptive perceptions of masculinity can be reinforced during time spent residing in secure settings.…”

“…This is surprising, as threats and violence in forensic psychiatric care are common among male patients (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009), and all the participants had past histories and index offences in relation to acts of violence towards others. This suggests that these men may engage in violent behaviour not due an adherence to masculinity norms (e.g.…”

“…It may also be necessary for staff members to be aware of how the service users they support perceive their masculinity, so the existential and deeper needs of male patients are provided with enough consideration (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009). Therefore, it is hoped that this research will help develop confidence and enhance the practice of practitioners in mental health professionals who are often reluctant or neglect to enquire about individual's psychotic experiences and gender identification (Semp & Read, 2014).…”

“…This is in spite of evidence which shows that maladaptive perceptions of masculinity can be reinforced during time spent residing in secure settings. For example, the environment in psychiatric units is characterised by locked doors, protection, rules, and routines (Höglund, 1996), and due to their focus upon safety and protection, characteristics such as aggressiveness and toughness can become dominant (Kumpula & Ekstrand, 2009). Furthermore, men are often reluctant to engage with psychological therapies whilst residing in secure settings due to conformity to masculine roles, namely beliefs that help-seeking is a sign of weakness which would lead them to feel inadequate and shameful (Courtenay, 2011), and lead them to be at risk of harm if they were to seen to be vulnerable by other patients (Safran, 1990).…”