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Young people's experiences of seclusion - research insights

A research study conducted by the AdJust Research Collective in British Columbia explored what it felt like to experience and witness seclusion in an inpatient mental health setting. This module is grounded in original research and draws on the voices of 17 people who experienced seclusion during hospitalization. Centering their stories as expertise, in this module we explore what it might feel like to experience seclusion and how this knowledge can inform health care provider practices. 

 

This module is presented in gratitude for all the young people who shared their stories. 

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  • A qualitative study drawing on interpretive description methodology

  • Interviewed people who had experienced seclusion

  • Participants were 17 to 46 years old (average age 26)

  • 14 white, 3 racialized 

  • 7 cisgender women, 5 cisgender men, 5 transgender or non-binary 

Study Details

i.  Seclusion was experienced as dehumanizing and traumatizing 

ii.  Seclusion reinforced powerlessness 

iii.  Seclusion worsened mental health symptoms

iv.   Seclusion led to lasting consequences for mental health and well-being 

Study Findings

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