Nurses’ knowledge and learning experiences in relation to the effects of domestic abuse on the mental health of children and adolescents

Abstract

Nurse researchers are yet to direct substantial attention towards addressing and understanding nurses’ experiences of learning about and caring for child and adolescent victims of domestic abuse. This lack of recognition has resulted in the marginalisation of this issue. This paper seeks to explore nurses’ present understanding and experiences of learning about the effects of domestic abuse on the mental health of children and adolescents. The research utilised an interpretive case study approach within a naturalistic paradigm. Snowball sampling of nursing staff within two mental health units was used. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with each participant. Using a constant comparative method and hermeneutic dialectical process both the commonalities and differences regarding participants’ multiple realities were identified. Three major categories emerged within the data. These were education, resources and nurses’ role. It was apparent that nurses’ knowledge and education about the effects of domestic abuse on the mental health of children and adolescents negatively impacted on nurses’ ability to provide appropriate care. The research has clear implications for mental health nursing education, practice and future research.