Seclusion abuse

Abstract

Seclusion continues to be used within mental health, and some would argue that it is an abuse of the individual (Pilette, 1978; Sallah, 1992). Yet just because the feelings associated with seclusion are negative this does not necessarily invalidate the practice. All medical and nursing interventions are vulnerable to abuse, as are all relationships which involve trust and power. Stover and Nightingale (1985) point out this unique relationship between the healing professions and those they care for: ‘In view of the extraordinary diversity of human cultures, it is remarkable that we find evidence everywhere of respect for healers’. This respect can be abused in many ways, and an understanding of what occurs when abuse takes place will help in the exploration of seclusion practice and encourage self-awareness among practitioners.