An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of how voice-hearers understand the content of their hallucinations

Abstract

Aim: Research into hearing voices (HV) has tended to focus on the form and frequency of voices, whereas research focusing on the content (i.e., the subject- matter) of hallucinations is less common. While voices are unique and varied, there has been little research into the personal significance of people’s voices. Previous research has established that HV is a reaction to life experiences, particularly negative life experiences (e.g., trauma). However, little is known about how voice-hearers understand the content and origins of their voice content (VC). Exploring how people make sense of the personal significance of their VC will add an important client perspective to the scientific literature. Method: Semi- structured interviews were conducted with seven participants who hear voices or have heard them in the past; all had a psychiatric diagnosis i.e., they are voicehearers in the clinical population. Data transcribed from participant interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Voice content carries personal significance for the individual. Participants identified both direct and thematic representations of their life experiences within their VC. Four super-ordinate themes were identified: VC relating to trauma; Voices reflecting people from their social worlds; VC reflecting personal beliefs and Benefits and challenges of exploring VC. Conclusion: These findings raise important implications for psychosis-related research and practice. They suggest that the treatment and support within healthcare settings for people with auditory hallucinations could benefit from collaboratively establishing the subjective meaning that individuals give to their VC. This can be done by mental health practitioners (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists) supporting service users to explore any 12 personal significance carried within their voices, to help resolve previous, troublesome, life experiences and decrease voice-related distress. Encouraging client perspectives may empower service users, promoting their autonomy, intelligibility and personal recovery.

Date of Award	30 Aug 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Roehampton
Supervisor	John Rae (Director of Studies) & Edith Steffen (Co-Supervisor)