Carnett, AmarieCairns, Mitchell2026-03-202026-03-202026https://hdl.handle.net/10289/18142Restrictive practices refer to a group of practices whereby an individual's freedom of movement is prevented or partially restricted. This could be done by the use of physical force, harness or straps, or with medications and sedatives. There are several risks associated with the use of restrictive practices, such as physical injury, trauma, post-traumatic stress, and even death for both those subjected to and those implementing restraints. This study aims to determine the frequency and type of restrictive practices used in New Zealand, views of behaviour of concern, and the barriers and enablers to the reduction of restrictive practices, and examine differing views in the population using mixed-method analysis. Survey data was collected and followed up with a focus group to provide additional qualitative data. Data analysis indicated that the use of restrictive practice in New Zealand disability care was high, with 48.61%-77.0% of clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities being subjected to at least one form of restrictive practice. A high level of consensus on the definition of behaviours of concern and their most effective interventions being proactive and function-based was also reflected in the data. Identified barriers to restraint reduction were similar to existing research and included attitudes toward restraint, organisational constraints, caregiver capacity, resource limitations, and limitations in support planning. Identified enablers to restraint reduction included ongoing training and development, behaviour support plans, interdisciplinary reviews, organisational leadership, and caregiver/whānau involvement. Recommendations for future research to examine specific factors resulting in the high use of restrictive practices in New Zealand are provided.enAll items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.Restrictive practicesintellectual disabilitypositive behaviour supportbehaviours of concernAotearoa New ZealandThesis