The experience of inequality and its impact on mental illness – thematic analysis of patients’ lived experiences admitted to secure mental health hospital

Abstract

Purpose The concept of inequality refers to being treated unfairly in society and its impact on mental illness has been explored primarily using a quantitative research approach. Patients’ lived experiences of inequalities prior to their admission to a secure care setting need to be addressed with a higher priority as they can serve to improve our understanding of the factors underlying the development of mental illness at a personal level. The aim of this study is to explore participant’s views on whether for them the experience of inequality is associated with the development of mental illness. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study, using a thematic analytical approach, was carried out to explore patients’ lived experiences of inequalities. A total of 11 participants, who were receiving treatment in a UK secure mental health hospital, were recruited into this study. The concept of inequality was explored using semi-structured interviews. Findings Data showed that patients had experienced a variety of inequalities which had negative impact on their mental health. Four main themes were identified from thematic textual analysis – abuse and its impact, a lack of support, the issue of labelling and the importance of understanding. Practical implications Data showed that patients had experienced a variety of inequalities which had negative impact on their mental health. Four main themes were identified from thematic textual analysis – abuse and its impact, a lack of support, the issue of labelling and the importance of understanding. Originality/value This is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to consider intersectionality and admission to mental health units by interviewing patients in secure mental health setting.