A pilot study exploring the utility of a ‘therapeutic research group’ intervention for people experiencing psychosis related difficulties.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using research as the basis of a therapeutic group intervention for hearing voices/auditory hallucinations.

Methods: Using a Participatory Action Research methodology, seven male current or previous residents of a low secure hospital participated in the study. Participants independently conducted research on ideas that were generated and operationalised by the group, on a weekly basis over a seven-month period.

Participants focused on developing a new ‘easy to complete’ recovery/resilience measure. The group also themselves developed a qualitative interview schedule, and participated in interviews at the conclusion of the intervention period. In addition to the four participants who engaged throughout the intervention period and contributed towards the analysis of transcripts, three other participant’s (two who disengaged on moving to a new area and one who consented to participate but never attended) took part in post-intervention interviews.

Results: The study demonstrated preliminary evidence supporting the utility of a ‘Therapeutic Research Group’ intervention for people who experience distressing voices. In addition to feedback about the positive impact participating in the group had on well-being, participants offered advice on overcoming barriers and increasing the popularity of therapeutic interventions. Participants also developed a new recovery/resilience measure (the M-PART) whose preliminary face validity appears positive.

Discussion: Mental health service users/survivors can independently make important contributions to advancing knowledge and improving services. Further research examining whether ‘the conducting of research’ could form the basis of a therapeutic intervention is warranted. Empirical testing of the M-PART measure is also necessary.

Keywords:

• Auditory hallucinations
• hearing voices
• group intervention
• participatory action research
• recovery
• resilience measure

Acknowledgements

In memory of two of our fantastic co-researchers SM and GL who sadly passed away subsequent to the completion of this project. The authors would like to thank the Manchester Hearing Voices and Burnley Bipolar UK groups for the support and inspiration during the initial stages of this research. Also thanks to Tony Morrison, Kate Weiner, Mike Wilson, Liz Pitt, Jason Price, Paul French and colleagues from the North West Research Design service and Mersey Care NHS Trust for their valuable contributions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The North West research design service kindly contributed £350 to support service user/survivor consultation in the early stage of this project. Mersey Care NHS Trust funded the consultation fee paid to co-researchers during the course of this project.