{"title":"Informal Coercion Experienced by Adolescents in Mental Health Care—A Systematic Review","authors":"Tiina Överlund, Tella Lantta","doi":"10.1111/inm.70245","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>Adolescents are a developmentally vulnerable group in mental health care, yet their experiences of informal coercion remain underexplored. Most existing research reflects adult perspectives, leaving a gap in understanding how adolescents experience such practices. This review synthesises qualitative evidence on the forms and consequences of informal coercion experienced by adolescents in mental health settings. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted across seven databases in February 2025 (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library). Screening and inclusion were performed using Covidence supplemented by manual reference searches. Qualitative content analysis was applied, using a framework informed by previously identified forms of informal coercion. Across 12 studies, informal coercion shaped adolescents' involvement in mental health care. Predominant forms included treatment pressure, silencing and exclusion and appealing to rules and routines, accompanied by threats or disciplinary control. These practices were experienced as undermining autonomy and trust. The adolescents responded through adaptive and resistant coping strategies, such as compliance, concealment, or overt opposition. The experiences were commonly associated with emotional distress, relational mistrust and hindered recovery, although some adolescents interpreted structured pressure as supportive or protective. Informal coercion is present and consequential in adolescent mental health care. Existing adult-based conceptualisations may overlook its relational and subtle nature. Further research is needed to explain how informal coercion is constructed in interactions and how it is justified in adolescent mental health care. Such knowledge is essential for developing ethically sound, rights-respecting nursing practices.</p><p><b>Trial Registration:</b> PROSPERO: CRD42025644678</p>","PeriodicalId":14007,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mental Health Nursing","volume":"35 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3000,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982914/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Mental Health Nursing","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/inm.70245","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"NURSING","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Adolescents are a developmentally vulnerable group in mental health care, yet their experiences of informal coercion remain underexplored. Most existing research reflects adult perspectives, leaving a gap in understanding how adolescents experience such practices. This review synthesises qualitative evidence on the forms and consequences of informal coercion experienced by adolescents in mental health settings. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted across seven databases in February 2025 (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library). Screening and inclusion were performed using Covidence supplemented by manual reference searches. Qualitative content analysis was applied, using a framework informed by previously identified forms of informal coercion. Across 12 studies, informal coercion shaped adolescents' involvement in mental health care. Predominant forms included treatment pressure, silencing and exclusion and appealing to rules and routines, accompanied by threats or disciplinary control. These practices were experienced as undermining autonomy and trust. The adolescents responded through adaptive and resistant coping strategies, such as compliance, concealment, or overt opposition. The experiences were commonly associated with emotional distress, relational mistrust and hindered recovery, although some adolescents interpreted structured pressure as supportive or protective. Informal coercion is present and consequential in adolescent mental health care. Existing adult-based conceptualisations may overlook its relational and subtle nature. Further research is needed to explain how informal coercion is constructed in interactions and how it is justified in adolescent mental health care. Such knowledge is essential for developing ethically sound, rights-respecting nursing practices.
期刊介绍：
The International Journal of Mental Health Nursing is the official journal of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc. It is a fully refereed journal that examines current trends and developments in mental health practice and research.
The International Journal of Mental Health Nursing provides a forum for the exchange of ideas on all issues of relevance to mental health nursing. The Journal informs you of developments in mental health nursing practice and research, directions in education and training, professional issues, management approaches, policy development, ethical questions, theoretical inquiry, and clinical issues.
The Journal publishes feature articles, review articles, clinical notes, research notes and book reviews. Contributions on any aspect of mental health nursing are welcomed.
Statements and opinions expressed in the journal reflect the views of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号
