Factors Associated with Perceived Coercion in Adults Receiving Psychiatric Care: A Scoping Review

Perceived coercion has been associated with significant negative outcomes, including service avoidance and psychological distress. Despite growing interest, no recent comprehensive review has mapped the full range of factors influencing this experience. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and present the state of knowledge on the factors associated with perceived coercion by adults receiving psychiatric care.

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search of five databases and grey literature was conducted for publications from 1990 to 2025 in English and French. A total of 143 sources were included and thematically analyzed. Consultation with experts and individuals with lived experience enriched the interpretation of findings.

Five categories of factors were identified: individual, clinical, relational, legal, and structural. Relational and legal factors were most consistently associated with perceived coercion, while individual and clinical factors showed inconsistent findings. Structural influences were underexamined but significantly shaped the experiences of the individuals receiving care.

Perceived coercion arises from a complex dynamic of individual, relational, and systemic influences. Reducing coercion requires moving beyond individual-level factors to address structural conditions and policy frameworks. Future research should prioritize qualitative and intersectional approaches and amplify the voices of those most affected by coercive practices in psychiatric care.