Secrecy and Denial in Matters of Life and Death: A Critical Analysis of Deaths in Psychiatric Detention, 1845-2018

Each year detained patients die in psychiatric detention in England and Wales in contentious circumstances. Despite the fact that deaths in psychiatric detention is not a new phenomenon, minimal critical research exists which analyses this problem. Underpinned by a critical criminological framework focusing on power, marginalisation and resistance, the thesis undertakes a critical analysis of deaths in psychiatric detention in both a historical and contemporary context. This is achieved through combining primary archival research with interviews and questionnaires undertaken with a number of individuals directly involved with this issue. In addition, the thesis utilises and analyses family campaign websites that were set up following the death of their detained relative. In order to understand the response to patients in death, a critical understanding of the response to them during their lives is also developed, both historically and contemporaneously. Further areas of focus include the official response to patients and their families, inquest and investigation procedures, the issue of accountability and the challenging of dominant discourses surrounding psychiatric detention. Based upon the findings of the thesis, a number of radical alternatives are outlined. These alternatives would address the issue of deaths in psychiatric detention and transform the current failing systems for the benefit of some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Liverpool John Moores University

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Speed, C

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sim, J
• Scott, D
• Cooper, V

• BF Psychology
• HV8301 Penology. Prisons. Corrections

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.t.00010244

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk:10244