'I didn't know other people existed who hear voices…' – qualitative perceptions of a hearing voices group for people with learning disabilities. (7th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tomlins, Rose; Cawley, James
• Is Part Of: British journal of learning disabilities. Volume 44:Number 3(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2015-07-07
• Subjects: Barriers -- group work -- hearing voices group -- intellectual disabilities -- qualitative research -- thematic analysis; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Learning disabled children -- Periodicals; Learning disabled youth -- Periodicals; 362.3
• DOI: 10.1111/bld.12138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-4187

Abstract

Abstract : Accessible summary: We ran a new group for people with learning disabilities who heard voices. We interviewed people who came to the group to see whether they liked the group. We also interviewed people who decided not to come to the group, to find out why. We also asked family members and professionals what they thought about the group. People thought the group would help them cope with their voices. People who came enjoyed meeting other people who heard voices. We found that some things stopped people coming to the group. We want to change these things for the next group so that more people will be able to come. Summary: Group work for people who experience voice hearing in the mainstream population has been shown to have various benefits; however, there is little research describing hearing voices groups for people with learning disabilities. This study describes perceptions of a new hearing voices group for people with mild learning disabilities. Semi‐structured interviews with twelve participants were conducted. This included three clients who attended the hearing voices group, three of their family members/carers and one professional. In addition, of those who were referred to the group but chose not to attend, one client, two family members/carers and two professionals were interviewed. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes; the first 'benefits of our hearing voices group' described participants' evaluations and perceptions of the hearing voices group. The second 'making the decision to attend' covers factors that influence clients when deciding whether or not to attend a hearing voices group. In the final theme 'positive and negative contributors to the voice‐hearing experience', participants reflected on factors that affect the voice‐hearing experience. The hearing voices group was valued by participants; however, services should consider the barriers to attendance faced by some clients. Strategies for addressing these are discussed.