SRN Blog

Addressing Malignant Alienation and Culturally Sensitive Care: A Call for Systemic Change

By Henna Chumber 

Mental health care is often shaped by systemic biases, gaps in cultural understanding, and the unintended consequences of professional disengagement. As a PhD researcher (and former mental health support worker of four years) exploring malignant alienation, the phenomenon where service-users feel abandoned or dehumanized by their care providers, I have seen how certain symptoms can result in differential treatment. My research seeks to understand why these disparities exist and how we can foster a more compassionate, equitable system.

In parallel, my business, ConnectedCulture, aims to bridge the gap in culturally competent mental health care. We recognize that individuals from diverse backgrounds often struggle to find therapists who understand their lived experiences. By providing access to culturally sensitive therapists and advocating for systemic change, we strive to create a model of care that acknowledges and respects cultural nuances.

The Sensitive Research Network (SRN) plays a crucial role in supporting research that tackles challenging, underrepresented issues. The themes of sensitivity in research, whether discussing marginalization, inequity, or overlooked patient experiences, resonate deeply with both my academic and business pursuits. SRN’s commitment to fostering inclusive research aligns with my goal of ensuring that mental health care is not only clinically effective but also ethically sound and socially just.

By collaborating with networks like SRN, we can push for policy changes that recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and relational care in mental health treatment. The intersection of research and practice is vital, evidence-based insights must translate into real-world solutions that benefit those most affected by systemic shortcomings.

Through my work, I hope to contribute to a mental health landscape where no patient feels alienated or unheard, where care is responsive to both psychological and cultural dimensions, and where mental health professionals are equipped to engage with diverse experiences without bias.

If you are interested in these discussions or would like to collaborate, I invite you to connect with me through SRN or ConnectedCulture. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive, compassionate mental health systems.

SRN Midlands Research Network - A need to create a research group.

By Adam Chen 

When starting my PhD I found a lack of formal and informal training and support around researching sensitive/emotionally demanding topics. Whilst there was an abundance of literature and workshops on ethical guidelines, there was a gap in practicalities. 

When reviewing literature around sensitive and emotionally demanding research, one key theme stood out – reflexivity. After exploring different ways I could practice reflexive thinking – through journaling, discussions, mind mapping etc – I considered what methods I would most effectively engage in reflexive practice and ensure mutual benefit, to myself, the project and others. This led me to create a peer-led group for students who were researching sensitive topics. The initial idea for the group was to create a setting that was less formal than supervisory meetings and to create an open space for students to talk about their projects, potential challenges, mistakes and how we overcame them and support each other in a peer-led setting. Another key aim was to ensure the group was flexible and adapted to the needs of all its members, working as a collective to shape the networks goals. The Sensitive Research Network Midlands was thus created. 

At first, it was a group for MGS ESRC DTP students, however, it expanded to all PhD students in the midlands with increased interest including students from different CDTs and those who are self-funded. In doing so we diversified our backgrounds creating a greater interdisciplinary group.