Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how people who hear voices have learned to cope with their voices, and how they attribute the function or role of the voice(s) in their lives. This thesis asked whether traumatic, lived experiences are related to the content of voices. This study used a narrative-inquiry approach to speak with nine adults about their experiences hearing voices. The interview questionnaire was adapted from the Maastricht Interview and Construct (Escher and Romme, 2000). Participants were interviewed in person or over the phone. The recovery model was the theoretical basis for this study. This model addresses the notion that people can live meaningful lives despite mental health challenges. The recovery approach to mental health treatment values peer-based methods of support, and encourages the belief that mental health diagnoses do not define personal identity, nor expect medication to be the only treatment option. This thesis used ideas of recovery based on the Hearing Voices Network, which encourages people to broaden their awareness of hearing voices, visions, or other unusual or extreme experiences. The nine interviews demonstrated that people who hear voices are able to find value in these experiences, and lead complete and fulfilling lives. Eight of the nine interviewees identified traumatic experiences in childhood (as well as in adulthood) as contributing factors to their experience hearing voices, and additional mental and emotional distress.
Author: Emma P Gabriner
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2905540257