ORCID
- Elana Moore: 0000-0002-3431-0272
- Rosi Raine: 0000-0003-0325-8640
- Alison Warren: 0000-0002-1529-7586
- Karen Beaulieu: 0000-0002-0789-3281
Abstract
Sensory processing shapes how people respond to environmental stimuli, influencing their ability to regulate themselves, make choices and participate in activities. Evidence indicates that people with mental health problems often experience sensory-processing difficulties that reduce rehabilitation participation. Secure forensic mental health settings are designed to manage behaviours that challenge; however, research indicates the physical environment not only limits opportunities for meaningful participation in rehabilitation activities but may also influence sensory experiences. Despite the interplay between the secure environment, sensory processing and participation, these concepts are seldom discussed in the literature. This qualitative study aimed to explore service users’ experience of sensory processing and occupational participation. Five male service users shared their lived experience through semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct meaning. Five main themes were developed: (a) Rules and procedures limit sensory self-management; (b) Perceptions of participation opportunity vary; (c) Restricted environments shape sensory experience; (d) Opportunities exist for improvement and increased engagement; (e) Kindness restores comfort and sensory security. These findings indicate secure environments should be adapted to address sensory processing needs to promote participation. Further research is needed to build on these findings and develop sensory-informed services.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-07-10
Publication Title
International Journal of Forensic Mental Health
ISSN
1499-9013
Acceptance Date
2026-06-21
Deposit Date
2026-08-14
Funding
The authors received the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The primary author's PhD was self-funded, except for the final year when an NHS department's Continuing Professional Development fund paid the course fee.
Additional Links
Keywords
Sensory processing, environment, participation, forensic mental health, occupational therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Moore, E., Raine, R., Warren, A., & Beaulieu, K. (2026) 'Sensing Freedom: Service User Perspectives of Sensory Processing and Occupational Participation in a Forensic Mental Health Inpatient Setting – A Qualitative Study', International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, . Available at: 10.1177/14999013261467058
