An Exploration of the Relational Autonomy of People with Substance Use Disorders: Constraints and Limitations

The concept of relational autonomy was used to investigate how people with substance use disorders (SUDs) exercise their autonomy when using mental health services, according to stakeholders’ perspectives. A qualitative study, using a critical approach, was conducted with participants from a mental...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of mental health and addiction 2020-04, Vol.18 (2), p.277-292
Main Authors: Lago, Rozilaine Redi, Bógus, Cláudia Maria, Peter, Elizabeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citizenship
Community and Environmental Psychology
Drug use
Ethics
Harm reduction
Health Psychology
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mental disorders
Mental health care
Oppression
Original Article
Power
Psychiatry
Psychology
Public Health
Qualitative research
Rehabilitation
Society
Stigma
Substance abuse treatment
Substance use disorder
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Summary:The concept of relational autonomy was used to investigate how people with substance use disorders (SUDs) exercise their autonomy when using mental health services, according to stakeholders’ perspectives. A qualitative study, using a critical approach, was conducted with participants from a mental health service facility. We performed in-depth individual and group interviews with 15 participants, conducted observations, and analyzed patients’ records and service reports. People with SUDs’ autonomy were constrained by three relational dimensions: (a) the broader social context of coercion and its influence on the values and attitudes of stakeholders; (b) the oppressive systems and structures within the treatment setting; and (c) the limited personal capacity to exercise autonomy in people with SUDs. This work revealed the multidimensionality of people with SUDs’ limitations in exercising their autonomy within a mental health care setting. An understanding of autonomy as relational could promote reflection and stimulate innovation when approaching patients within these facilities.
ISSN:1557-1874
1557-1882
DOI:10.1007/s11469-018-9957-x