Perceptions of therapeutic principles in a therapeutic community

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Capone, Georgina, Braham, Louise, Schroder, Thomas and Moghaddam, Nima (2017) Perceptions of therapeutic principles in a therapeutic community. Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, 38 (2). ISSN 0964-1866

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore staff and service users’ perceptions of therapeutic principles within a unique male high secure learning disability therapeutic community (LDTC).

Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was adopted using deductive content analysis and inductive thematic analysis. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their perceptions of Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles and any further additional therapeutic features in the environment not captured by the theory.

Findings: All five quintessence principles were identified in the LDTC environment. Some limits to the principle of ‘agency’ were highlighted, with specific reference to difficulties implementing a flattened hierarchy in a forensic setting. Additional therapeutic features were identified including; security and risk, responsivity, and more physical freedom which appear to aid implementation of the quintessence principles.

Research limitations/implications: The study was performed within a single case study design. Therefore results remain specific to this LDTC. However, the finding of these principles in such a unique setting may indicate Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident in other TC environments.

Originality/value: This is the first research paper that has attempted to test whether Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident within a given therapeutic community. The research provides empirical evidence for the quintessence principles in a novel TC setting and suggests recommendations for future research.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/862320
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine > Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2017-0009
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 31 May 2017 13:24
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 18:47
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/43305

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