Abstract
Aim or purpose
This study explores the voices of client participants living in financial hardship in Scotland who have sought support for their mental health. As well as having a higher prevalence of mental health disorders than wealthier individuals, people in financial hardship tend to have poorer access to counselling and worse therapeutic outcomes (Knifton and Inglis, 2018, Holman, 2014).Previous studies have identified power imbalances, structural barriers and client/therapist biases which perpetuate these inequalities (Goodman, 2013, Foss-Kelly et al, 2017). However, relatively little recent work has focused on UK-specific issues from the client perspective. This study (the first towards a PhD) aims to develop a theory of best practice for dissemination to counsellors, healthcare professionals and public policy influencers, thereby improving therapeutic out comes for this client group.
Design or methodology structure
This study is a qualitative analysis informed by grounded theory (Corbin and Strauss, 2015). Data was gathered via two focus groups comprising of clients from two separate Scottish hardship charities who had sought support for mental health issues through NHS or third sector routes. Recruitment was a collaborative process between the researcher and staff of the charities and the groups were held in person at charity venues.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval for the research was given by the researcher’s academic institution, Abertay University.
Results or findings
Provisional results confirm and expand upon findings from previous research. The key themes emerging from the analysis include 1) power and agency: how clients experience power differentials between themselves, experts (including GPs/doctors) and the systems in which they exist 2) Living with mental health issues: accessing services, what does and doesn’t work 3)People, places and organisations: where you live and where to find support 4) Money and resources: individual and system wide, work and benefits.
Research limitations
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy www.bacp.co.ukBACP and the BACP logo are registered trademarks of BACP.47There was less ethnic and demographic diversity of the focus group participants than the researcher had initially hoped for – however, this is expected to be addressed in a second interview-based study planned for later in 2024.
Conclusions or implications
Issues relating to power and agency are key for this client group, in particular how power is wielded by GPs/Doctors and others who control access to mental health services. However, it appears that power imbalances are not universally negative and can be supportive, depending on the context.
Considerations given to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion
Issues of EDI are integral to this project, as it involves working with clients experiencing socioeconomic (wealth and class) inequality, disadvantage and stigma.
This study explores the voices of client participants living in financial hardship in Scotland who have sought support for their mental health. As well as having a higher prevalence of mental health disorders than wealthier individuals, people in financial hardship tend to have poorer access to counselling and worse therapeutic outcomes (Knifton and Inglis, 2018, Holman, 2014).Previous studies have identified power imbalances, structural barriers and client/therapist biases which perpetuate these inequalities (Goodman, 2013, Foss-Kelly et al, 2017). However, relatively little recent work has focused on UK-specific issues from the client perspective. This study (the first towards a PhD) aims to develop a theory of best practice for dissemination to counsellors, healthcare professionals and public policy influencers, thereby improving therapeutic out comes for this client group.
Design or methodology structure
This study is a qualitative analysis informed by grounded theory (Corbin and Strauss, 2015). Data was gathered via two focus groups comprising of clients from two separate Scottish hardship charities who had sought support for mental health issues through NHS or third sector routes. Recruitment was a collaborative process between the researcher and staff of the charities and the groups were held in person at charity venues.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval for the research was given by the researcher’s academic institution, Abertay University.
Results or findings
Provisional results confirm and expand upon findings from previous research. The key themes emerging from the analysis include 1) power and agency: how clients experience power differentials between themselves, experts (including GPs/doctors) and the systems in which they exist 2) Living with mental health issues: accessing services, what does and doesn’t work 3)People, places and organisations: where you live and where to find support 4) Money and resources: individual and system wide, work and benefits.
Research limitations
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy www.bacp.co.ukBACP and the BACP logo are registered trademarks of BACP.47There was less ethnic and demographic diversity of the focus group participants than the researcher had initially hoped for – however, this is expected to be addressed in a second interview-based study planned for later in 2024.
Conclusions or implications
Issues relating to power and agency are key for this client group, in particular how power is wielded by GPs/Doctors and others who control access to mental health services. However, it appears that power imbalances are not universally negative and can be supportive, depending on the context.
Considerations given to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion
Issues of EDI are integral to this project, as it involves working with clients experiencing socioeconomic (wealth and class) inequality, disadvantage and stigma.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 46-47 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 18 May 2024 |
| Event | 30th Annual International BACP Research Conference: Enriching research, practice and policy with lived experience - Birmingham Newman University & online, Birmingham, United Kingdom Duration: 17 May 2024 → 18 May 2024 Conference number: 30th https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/research/conference/ |
Conference
| Conference | 30th Annual International BACP Research Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | BACP |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Birmingham |
| Period | 17/05/24 → 18/05/24 |
| Internet address |