In the midst of a thunderstorm.png
In the midst of a thunderstorm.png

‘In the midst of a thunderstorm’: Young people’s experiences of physical restraint in inpatient mental health services in the UK

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Nielson et al., 2026

This study explored the experiences of eight young people (aged 10–13) who underwent physical restraint in English inpatient mental health units, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants described restraint as emotionally traumatic, with distress beginning before and continuing long after the physical intervention, often leaving lasting emotional “debris.” The findings highlight the need to recognise the full trajectory of restraint, including pre-escalation and aftermath, and to prioritise de-escalation strategies over physical intervention.

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Nielson et al., 2026

This study explored the experiences of eight young people (aged 10–13) who underwent physical restraint in English inpatient mental health units, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants described restraint as emotionally traumatic, with distress beginning before and continuing long after the physical intervention, often leaving lasting emotional “debris.” The findings highlight the need to recognise the full trajectory of restraint, including pre-escalation and aftermath, and to prioritise de-escalation strategies over physical intervention.

View Resource