A Qualitative Study Exploring the Causes of Boredom for Men with a Psychosis in a Forensic Setting

ABSTRACT

Boredom is a problem in forensic mental health settings and is believed to increase levels of violence and be detrimental to health and recovery. There were 8 men in a forensic unit, all diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, that were interviewed regarding their experiences of boredom. A thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. These included: Mental health and motivation; Restrictive environment; Responsibilities; and Nothing to do. These findings provide a greater understanding of factors which may contribute to boredom within forensic settings and can guide occupational therapy interventions to address them.

KEYWORDS:

• Boredom
• forensic
• mental health
• occupational therapy
• psychosis

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks to the members of the research team who have remained committed to the project, to Donna Berry for transcribing the interviews, to Kate Coulson for her help, and to the 8 men who participated in this study and shared their valuable experiences of boredom.