Abstract

Coercion in Mental Health is related to sociocultural contexts. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the uses and perceptions of covert coercion on the part of professionals from four Latin-culture countries (Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Chile) differ between them and from those described in the literature. We conducted a qualitative research, using focus groups with professionals, with targeted sampling and an iterative process for thematic analysis. Several differentiating categories were found: the use of alternative strategies of covert coercion (deception, emotional blackmail, and directiveness); the role of family and socioeconomic differences; and cultural aspects such as the unique role religion plays in Mexico, a relatively greater toleration of threat as a means of coercion.