Service users’ experiences of compulsory inpatient treatment under the Mental Health Act, (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act), 1992. Shona Clarke Masters of Health Sciences University of Auckland Mental Health Research Symposium, 1 December, 2017 My reflections so far

The research Topic and focus Exclusion criteria Some of the methods Reflexivity Recruitment process Collecting people’s stories

Situating the research – Service user led research How this research is service user led. How does that work in practice. Since this is my Masters, obviously support from my supervisor.

Why am I being so overt about being “one of the crazies”? I don’t want more disenfranchised ‘Others’ who are researched ON, by powerful ground, commodifying people’s life experiences. People (my participants) really like it! For some – empowering. I’m already “out” as “one of the crazies”. I can analyse people’s stories through the eyes of another peer, and not reconstructed by someone involved with the Act. I like and am curious about the concept of ‘reflexivity’.

What is this like? Sometimes a bit lonely. bksgskdfh Really exciting, and buzzy to be with peers, hear their stories and sometimes share kai with people with a common experience. Sometimes more difficult than I expected!

Reflexivity Embrace the bias! We all have it, we’re never going to be objective – relativism. What is this ‘reflexivity’ thing? Since I’m asking people to talk about what is often a difficult time in their life, perhaps I should reflect on mine, and look at how what they say, impacts on me.

Extract from a poem from a peer.

Contact For more information, contact me at Email: scla069@aucklanduni.co.nz Research ph: 021 0890 2255