Exploring male service users’ experiences of trauma and violence: a qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis

Crowson, Daniel (2020). Exploring male service users’ experiences of trauma and violence: a qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis. University of Birmingham. Foren.Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Introduction: Evidence exploring the links between trauma and violence perpetration appears to be largely quantitative and lacks the qualitative perspective of those who have lived through both experiences. The aim of this study is to examine male forensic mental health service users’ experiences of trauma and violence to explore the links between trauma and violence.

Method: Five service users were interviewed about their experiences of trauma and perpetration of violence. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Results: Four superordinate and nine subordinate themes were identified from the analysis. The themes were felt to best represent the experiences of the participants and appeared to highlight experiences of Growing Up in a Toxic World, which led to a Path of Violence and the participants highlighting that Violence had Function and Capability. It was also found that for the participants Violence Creates Identity.

Discussion: The results indicated that the participants’ experiences of trauma are consistent with other risk factors associated with risk of violence and appear more consistent with the development of personality disorder. Therefore, adopting a trauma-informed approach and addressing trauma exposure as a treatment need may serve to reduce the risk of violence of offenders who have experienced trauma.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):