Experiences of Epistemic Injustice in the Spanish Psychiatric System: A Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Mental Health Activists

Autores/as

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-1631

Palabras clave:

mental health, epistemic injustice, societal participation, psychiatry, qualitative research, testimonial injustice, hermeneutical injustice, patient involvement

Resumen

Introduction: This study explores the critical discourse of patients and activists regarding their personal experiences within the Spanish Psychiatric System, highlighting the challenges they face when interacting with mental health professionals and resources. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative design was employed. From 2021 to 2022, five focus groups (n=32) were conducted with individuals diagnosed with mental health issues. The participants’ varied interactions within the psychiatric system provided insights into their diverse experiences and perspectives. Results: Participants frequently reported not feeling adequately listened to by mental health professionals, lacking involvement in decisions concerning their treatment, and experiencing barriers to full societal participation due to their psychiatric diagnoses. Discussions: Through Fricker’s concept of epistemic injustice, examples of testimonial and hermeneutic injustice were identified, highlighting how patients feel their voices and experiences are undervalued, impacting both their care and their ability to engage as citizens. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the urgent need to involve patients in decisions regarding their treatment, based on their own experiences, and to improve their societal inclusion, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and respected.

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Biografía del autor/a

Juan Brea Iglesias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

He is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the Complutense University of Madrid. He holds a PhD in Social Work from the same university and combines teaching with active participation in research projects applied to social intervention.

He is a member of the UCM's “Psychosocial Factors and Social Intervention” Research Group and collaborates with GrupoLab, a laboratory focused on social work with groups. His interests are geared towards improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities, integrating perspectives of feminism, intersectionality, and group and community approaches.

David Alonso González, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Full Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), where he has been teaching since 2007, after beginning his teaching career at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in 1999. He holds a PhD in Social Work (with Special Distinction), a Bachelor's Degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology, and a Diploma in Social Work. He has been Vice Dean of Students and Innovation and of International Relations and Innovation in the Faculty of Social Work (2010-2018). A member of the UCM's “Psychosocial Factors and Social Intervention” Research Group and the GESED Group at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, his research focuses on Social Innovation, Technology, Active Aging, Gerontology, and Online Pedagogy in the field of Social Work.

Andrés Arias Astray, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Professor of Social Work and Social Services at the Faculty of Social Work of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). He co-directs the research group of excellence “Psychosocial Factors and Social Intervention” together with Professor Fernando Chacón Fuertes and is affiliated with the Institute of Knowledge Technology. He currently heads the Department of Social Work and Social Services and GrupoLab, a research laboratory focused on the development of critical alternatives in social intervention.

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Publicado

2025-09-01

Cómo citar

Brea Iglesias, J., Alonso González, D., & Arias Astray, A. (2025). Experiences of Epistemic Injustice in the Spanish Psychiatric System: A Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Mental Health Activists. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 11, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-1631

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Vol. 11 (2026)

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Derechos de autor 2025 Juan Brea Iglesias, David Alonso González, Andrés Arias Astray

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