Exploring the experiences of relationships and sexuality for individuals diagnosed with psychosis

Magowan, Emily Catherine

Abstract

This portfolio thesis comprises of three main parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper, and appendices.
Part one is a systematic literature review, exploring qualitative literature about the experiences of relationships for individuals diagnosed with psychosis. A total of seven papers were critically reviewed and analysed through Thematic Synthesis Thomas & Harden, 2008). The synthesis revealed two overarching themes: Forming relationships and Maintaining Relationships. Within those there are nine subthemes. The implications of these findings involve understanding of the importance of relationships, especially when an individual is distressed by unusual experiences.
Part two is the empirical paper, which explores LGBQ+ individual’s lives with unusual experiences. These experiences were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et al., 2009). The analysis formed four superordinate themes and 10 subthemes within that. Theme titles were: The Experiences and Influence of Trauma; Exploring the Existence and Understanding of Unusual Experiences; The Development of Self-Identity; Relationships with Others. The findings of this empirical paper seek to understand unusual experiences and sexual identity for LGBQ+ individuals. This can improve services by helping professionals to understand and appreciate the participant’s ‘lens’ (Burr, 2015), therefore improving the accuracy of understanding and clinical skills.
Part three is the appendices, which contains documents relating to the first two parts of this portfolio thesis. This includes a reflective statement on conducting the systematic literature review and empirical study, as well as the epistemological statement regarding the position of the researcher throughout the process.

Citation

Magowan, E. C. Exploring the experiences of relationships and sexuality for individuals diagnosed with psychosis. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223730

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 9, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223730
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Aug 1, 2021