Men and Masculinities in Forensic Psychiatric Care: An Interview Study Concerning Male Nurses' Experiences of Working with Male Caregivers and Male Patients

Abstract

Forensic psychiatric care is largely populated by men—as patients, caregivers, and nurses. Previous research has not focused on the meaning of gender in this context. The aim of this study is to analyse male nurses' experiences of working with male caregivers and attending to male patients in forensic psychiatric care. Data were collected through interviews with six male nurses. The results consist of five themes. Protection and defence are key aspects of care and male caregivers gain status and authority through their physical strength. This could hamper caring and provide male caregivers with a superior position in the department.