In an exploratory, description study of 20 inpatients on a psychiatric unit, Norris and Kennedy (1992) examined patients' perception of seclusion related to sensory stimuli. In addition, the researchers compared patient-nurse reasons for seclusion, feelings of patients' suggestions for improvement of the seclusion process. The majority of patients found the space around them in seclusion to be claustrophobic, degrading, and threatening. Nurses perceived numerous reasons for seclusion, whereas patients thought there was on reason (e.g., being misunderstood or out of control). Patients described strong feelings and emotions during the seclusion process and most thought they should have gotten control of their behavior or avoided staff using seclusion on a regular basis. In a comparison study by Keski Valkama et al. (2010), patients proposed at least one alternative to seclusion that potentially would have been more helpful. The most common alternative was resting in one's own room followed by verbal de-escalation, medication, and activities. Patients also wanted more comforting interaction with staff, less regulated use of toilet facilities, and shorter duration of seclusion episodes.