Challenges faced by mental health interpreters in East London: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

The role of an interpreter is instrumental for people not fluent in the new language of their host community or country where they are living. This subject is an important one and not enough is known, especially about the challenges faced by mental health interpreters.The study examined how interpreters drew on direct translation, cultural meanings and non-verbal information while interpreting and how they convey these to both service users and providers. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted to analyse three semi-structured interviews with female mental health interpreters that lasted approximately 60 minutes each. All participants were self-identified as fluent in at least two languages and had attended a minimum of six months training on mental health interpreting.The challenges of mental health interpreting were revealed in three overarching themes: (i) Sensitive nature of interpreting and challenges associated with ensuring accuracy. (ii) Multitasking to convey literal words, feelings and cultural meanings. (iii) Exposure to the risk of vicarious trauma and insufficient organisational support.The study concluded that mental health interpreters should have more access to training and development, organisational support, professional recognition and adequate acknowledgement of their essential role in service provision to people not fluent with the new language of their present community or country.