The experience of hearing voices : challenges and coping mechanisms

Abstract

Auditory hallucinations or hearing voices is one symptom mostly experienced by individuals suffering from schizophrenia. However, several voice-hearers do not have any mental health issues or diagnoses. Participants: Nine individuals - three females, four males and two other, all experiencing auditory hallucinations for at least five years, residing either at their home or at one of the Hostels of the Richmond Foundation Malta. Design: A qualitative approach following the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used during this study. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted to explore how the participants perceive their voices, what coping strategies were used and how their lives were affected by their experiences. Furthermore, through the study the voice-hearers’ recommendations (both for other voice-hearers and also for mental health professionals) were elicited. Findings: From this study, it emerged that many voice hearers expressed a desire for mental health professionals and social workers to just “listen” to them without asserting opinions and judgment. This study also discusses social stigma as a treatment barrier to individuals who hear voices. The findings in this study suggest that more education on voice-hearing is needed within the field of mental health care.