A Scale to Measure Perceived Coercion in Everyday Life: A Concept to Inform Research on the Legal Issues of Coerced Treatment

Abstract

The perception of how much control people have over their lives has been an enduring topic for psychologists. However, little research has been done to apply this concept of sense of control to persons with mental illness, and whether a sense of control over the everyday features of their lives may be related to other key concepts in mental health services, such as mandated treatment and treatment compliance. In the present study, a reliable and valid tool to measure the construct of “perceived coercion in everyday life” was developed and tested. Findings are discussed in regard to the clinical and policy implications for persons with mental illness and for mandated treatment.