A Preliminary Qualitative Investigation of Voice Hearing and Its Association with Dissociation in Chronic PTSD

Abstract

Following on from a quantitative study, this research used a qualitative methodology to investigate the lived experience of 3 men with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder associated with the conflict in Northern Ireland who reported auditory hallucinations. Data analysis used the Framework method. Results showed that beliefs about voices, dissociation of identity and body, and interpersonal impact were central superordinate themes associated with auditory hallucinations in posttraumatic stress disorder. Central subordinate themes included feeling a lack of controllability over voices, experiencing them as ego-dystonic, and feeling an increased sense of isolation and shame because of their presence. Results provide an in-depth analysis of participants' lived experiences and enhance understanding of previous quantitative findings.

Keywords:

• auditory hallucinations
• PTSD
• dissociation
• qualitative methodology

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Geraldine Hamilton, Maria Shannon, Rhonda Elder, Mary Corry, and Bridget O'Rawe for their assistance with this work.

Notes

1. This small number of participants is consistent with qualitative work, as phenomena need only appear once to be part of the analytic map (Ritchie et al., 2003). Smith and Osborn (2008) argue that three is a very useful number of interviews in qualitative research as it allows for sufficient in-depth engagement with each case but also a detailed examination of similarity and difference, convergence and divergence.