A weird but interesting journey: Personal traumatic growth for individuals with hallucinations

Dixon, Lily; Sanderson, Chris; Alexander, Tim; Holt, Lucy

Abstract

Objectives: Hallucinations can be traumatic. However, research into 'post-traumatic growth' in relation to hallucinations is scarce. This study aims to further our understanding of personal growth in the context of hallucinations. Design: A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to explore experiences of personal growth with hallucinations, adopting Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven people who experience hallucinations. Participants were asked about experiences of personal growth, their expectations of individual transformation, and facilitating and hindering factors in the attainment of personal growth. Transcripts were analysed ensuring suitable saturation and representation of the data was achieved. Results: One overall theme (A journey towards personal growth) and five subthemes were identified: A difficult journey taken day by day, Stigma, Acceptance, Finding the right support, and Personal growth. Conclusions: Findings supported personal growth in the context of hallucinations and highlighted facilitators and barriers. Practitioner points • There is scarce literature supporting the development of personal growth with hallucinatory experiences and it is empirically limited. The present research provides greater information into the phenomenon to inform service provision. • The importance of acceptance and maintaining hope for change was highlighted. • Services and the use of coping strategies were both identified as facilitative and hindering of personal growth. • This research provides a necessary alternative to the often negative literature; challenging societal perceptions and helping promote much needed hope in clinicians, the public and individuals experiencing hallucinations.

Citation

Dixon, L., Sanderson, C., Alexander, T., & Holt, L. (2018). A weird but interesting journey: Personal traumatic growth for individuals with hallucinations. Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy, 08(03), Article 343. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0487.1000343

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 22, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jun 29, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 29, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 24, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
• Print ISSN: 2161-0487
• Publisher: OMICS International
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 08
• Issue: 03
• Article Number: 343
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0487.1000343
• Keywords: Hallucinations; Hearing voices; Positive; Growth; Qualitative
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/941808
• Publisher URL: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/a-weird-but-interesting-journey-personal-traumatic-growth-for-individuals-with-hallucinations-2161-0487-1000343-102910.html
• Contract Date: Jul 24, 2018