Abstract
Research exploring users and professionals experiences of user participation in practice is not extensive and so far findings appear inconclusive. This study aimed to generate knowledge about how mental health workers perceive user participation in challenging interactions. Data were collected from qualitative interviews with mental health workers in Norwegian community services. Vignettes describing challenging situations were used in the interviews in order to elicit reflections pertaining to user participation. Kvale ‘s phenomenological- hermeneutical method was employed to analyze interview data according to his three levels of interpretation: 1) self-understanding 2) critical “common sense” understanding and 3) theoretical understanding. Self-psychology was used to interpret data at the third level. The informants emphasized three main strategies to secure user participation: Working towards the user's goals, facilitating flexible communication and enhancing a good relationship. Still, informants perceived the challenging interactions as either being dominated by the user or the mental health worker. This dichotomy indicates that a better understanding of the relationship and improved communication skills are required to enhance mutual participation for user and caregiver.