The purpose of this Heideggerian phenomenological study was to understand the meaning of the lived experience of seclusion in a psychiatric hospital. Five people with a long standing mental illness who had spent time in a locked seclusion room in a psychiatric hospital were asked to describe their experience in seclusion.Consistent with the method, purposive sampling was used in order to obtain an understanding from those who had lived the experience of seclusion and could articulate their experience. Interviews were audiotaped and the data were transcribed by the researcher. Audiotapes were destroyed when the study was completed. Transcribed data were shared with other researchers who were familiar with Heideggerian phenomenology and hermeneutics for the purpose ofgaining insight into the interpretations. When data were shared, names of participants and other identifying information were removed. Sharing of data for purpose of interpretation is inherent in the Heideggerian method as described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989). Data were analyzed using Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner's (1989) seven stages. The following patterns emerged constituted pattern- Seclusion, A Paradox Being Powerless yet Hopeful with the supporting themes of 1.) Being Punished, 2) Being Abandoned, and 3) An Opportunity for Reflection and Self Growth. / School of Nursing

M.A. / A child that is mentally healthy develops psychologically, emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually (Dwivedi & Harper, 2004). Therefore the researcher is of the opinion that the mental health of children is integral in successful development. It was however observed that there are challenges associated with providing for the needs of children with mental health problems. Often attributed to a lack of knowledge, child care workers, social workers and other staff appear to not have the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to deal appropriately with children with mental health problems in child and youth care centres. This study therefore investigates the identified gap in service delivery, and what could be done to minimise it. It attempts to explore the characteristics of a child with a mental health problem, what their emanating needs are, and what guidelines exist that may help to provide for the identified needs. In exploring these guidelines, the roles of different role-players involved on different ecosystemic levels, are also explored. This exploration is conducted by utilising qualitative research methods only. A literature study firstly explores relevant social work, mental health, psychiatric and legislative literature. Secondly, focus groups are conducted with key role-players that work with children with mental health problems. These two sources provide the researcher with information pertaining to the objectives and goal of this research study. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide a management programme to mainstream and specialised child and youth care centres, on how to care optimally for children with mental health problems. When this goal is achieved, the field of social work amid children will benefit tremendously. Not only can such a programme assist in the enhancement of the mental health of children in child and youth care centres, but it may provide the foundation for future development in this.

I examined the factors that led to the rise and fall of psychiatric hospitals and its impact on two select groups of individuals: adults and older adults with severe mental illness. To explore the reasons behind these fluctuations, the State of Texas was used as a case study. Additionally, the fluctuations occurred for different reasons in public vs. for-profit investor-owned psychiatric hospitals. Using an investor-owned psychiatric hospital organization as a case study, I investigated the differences in factors that influenced the growth and/or demise in public vs. investor-owned psychiatric hospitals. Evolution and devolution of psychiatric hospitals was assessed during select time periods: 1700 to1930, 1940 to1970, 1980 to 2000, and 2000 to present. Time period selections were relevant to the important drivers of the span of time that influenced the psychiatric hospitals. Historical review and trend analysis was used to identify the total number of psychiatric hospitals and/or total number of psychiatric hospital beds and psychiatric hospitals by type. Analysis showed there was a cyclical pattern of evolution and devolution of psychiatric hospitals and each cycle altered the form, function, and role of the psychiatric hospital along with altering the location of care for adults and older adults with severe mental illness. The research results suggest a long-stay residential facility, specializing in evidence-based treatment for adults and older adults with severe mental illness, to counter the dire shortage of psychiatric hospital beds.