{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.03365384615384615, 'fraction_numerical': 0.004120879120879121, 'mean_word_length': 5.253218884120171, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
“It’s just a bit like a rollercoaster”: a longitudinal qualitative study exploring a model of the phases of voice hearing

ABSTRACT Background: Existing models of the phases of hearing distressing voices have relied upon data from cross-sectional designs and the retrospective accounts of hearers. There is a need for a longitudinal study to examine the phases of voice hearing over time. Methods: A longitudinal, mixed-methods design was used. Stage 1 - semi-structured interviews were conducted at nine monthly intervals at four time-points with voice hearers (n = 12) from Early Intervention in Psychosis Services. Data were Thematically Analysed. Stage 2 – findings were mapped onto an integrated model of voice hearing. Results: Stage 1 analysis generated higher-order themes: “Common Pathway”, “Voices Stop”, “Voices Continue but Beliefs Change”, and “Voices Continue but Beliefs do not Change”. Stage 2 analysis generated a potential framework for a revised model of voice hearing over time with three novel sub-group pathways. Conclusions: Findings suggested three novel sub-group pathways. Beliefs about voices influenced the course of voice hearing. Changes in beliefs were associated with acceptance, meaning-making and recovery: whereas beliefs that did not change were associated with ongoing voice-related distress. Findings highlight the importance of therapeutic conversations in supporting hearers to explore their experiences with voices.