Exploring views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearing from the perspective of service users and staff: A Q-methodology study. (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morera, Tirma; Bucci, Sandra; Randal, Chloe; Barrett, Moya; Pratt, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Psychotherapy research. Volume 27:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: mindfulness -- voice-hearers -- psychosis -- Q-methodology -- staff views -- service users; atenção plena -- ouvir vozes -- psicose -- metodologia-Q -- visão de funcionários -- usuários de serviços; Achtsamkeit -- Stimmen hören -- Psychose -- Q-Methodologie -- Sicht des Personals -- Dienstleistungsempfänger; 正念 -- 聽見聲音者 -- 心理疾患 -- Q方法 -- 工作人員觀點 -- 使用服務者; mindfulness -- uditori di voci -- psicosi -- metodologia-Q -- prospettiva degli operatori -- utenti dei servizi; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Research -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychothérapie -- Périodiques; Psychothérapie -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2015.1085657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-3307

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives : Despite prevailing beliefs about the potential benefits and harmfulness of mindfulness for people who hear voices, there is a paucity of research into staff and service user views. Q-methodology was used to explore views about mindfulness groups for voice-hearers.Method : Opportunistic sampling of mental healthcare staff ( N = 14) and service users with psychosis ( N = 17). Both samples were analysed using principle components factor analysis to identify the range of attitudes held by staff and service users.Results : Staff participants were particularly knowledgeable and interested in mindfulness. A single staff consensus factor was found suggesting mindfulness is helpful, and not harmful for mental health, but uncertainty surrounded its usefulness for voice-hearers. Service users held four distinct attitudes: (i) mindfulness helps to calm a racing mind; (ii) mindfulness helps to manage stress; (iii) mindfulness improves well-being, and does not alter the brain, reality beliefs, or cause madness; and (iv) mindfulness helps with managing thoughts, fostering acceptance, and is acceptable when delivered in a group format.Conclusions : Staff viewed mindfulness groups for psychosis as helpful, not harmful, but were uncertain about their utility. Consistent with previous research, service users viewed mindfulness groups as useful to promote well-being and reduce distress for individuals experiencing psychosis.