Using the Repertory Grid Technique to Examine Nursing Staff's Construal of Mothers with Mental Health Problems

Background: This study explored the attitudes of psychiatric nursing staff towards mothers with mental health difficulties. Working with mothers experiencing mental health problems can evoke negative reactions in staff that activate value-laden beliefs regarding the capacity of these women to care for their infants, which could diminish the provision of optimal care and treatment for patients. Method: Ten psychiatric nursing staff working in a specialist mother and baby unit in the North of England were interviewed about their views of various types of client by using the repertory grid technique. Findings: A total of 86 constructs that clustered under 21 headings were elicited. All staff made critical judgements about some clients. Staff often described the context in which these perceptions were reached such as the behaviour of clients and the quality of the nurse-client relationship. Conclusions: Clients with a personality disorder and those who were thought to be 'bad' mothers were construed as being furthest from the self and more negatively than clients with depression or psychosis. Further training is indicated for staff working with mothers displaying challenging interactional styles; however, training packages must consider the individuality of perception and experience present within staff groups. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.