Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
12-2026
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Jill Stinson
Committee Members
Meredith Ginley, Stacey Williams
Abstract
The forensic mental health system serves clients with dual needs —serious mental health concerns like psychosis and suicidality, and management of risk. Experiences and perceptions of professional and direct care staff may impact daily and therapeutic interactions and client success. These experiences may be marked by stigma, such as beliefs about what led to hospitalization, treatability of mental health concerns, and intentionality of behavior. Understanding this stigma, as well as the role of vicarious trauma, workplace burnout, and other relevant individual factors, may help us understand staff experiences and guide training, thus improving client care. 146 staff members across three forensic mental health facilities (minimum, intermediate, and maximum security) completed measures assessing stigmatized beliefs, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Through linear regression, it was determined that some work-related exposures increased stigma, while others reduced it. Implications for improved client care, staff well-being, and job satisfaction are discussed.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Wiser, Abigail, "Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences of Persons Who Work in Forensic Mental Health Systems" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4771. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4771
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
