Abstract
Purpose/Aims: This study aimed to gain insight into the value of Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) in the Dutch context. Specifically, we aimed to learn more about the meaning of HVG participation, as well as the aspects that contribute to that meaning, from the perspective of participants' experiences.Method: The study used a qualitative design with in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of 30 members within seven HVGs in the Netherlands. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretative analysis inspired by the Grounded Theory method.Findings: The individual-level analysis revealed four different group processes that appear to determine the value that HVGs have for their participants: (i) peer-to-peer validation, (ii) exchanging information and sharing self-accumulated knowledge, (iii) connection and social support, and (iv) engaging in mutual self-reflection. We found that specific characteristics of HVGs facilitate these group processes and lead to specific personal outcomes. Combining the interview data from people who joined the same HVG reveals that, although all four described group processes occur in all groups, each group's emphasis differs. Three related factors are described: (i) the composition of the group, (ii) the style of the facilitators, and (iii) the interaction between group processes and individual processes.Implications: Unique processes, for which there is little to no place within regular mental health care (MHC), occur within HVGs. MHC professionals should be more aware of the opportunities HVG can offer voice-hearers. Essential matters regarding the implementation of HVGs are discussed.
Highlights
About 3–19% of the general population has heard one or more voices during their lifetime [1,2,3]
Per the Hearing Voices Movement ethos, diagnoses were not recorded, but we did ask some questions about contact with mental health care (MHC), and this confirmed that it was a heterogeneous group of participants
The experiences were as diverse as the people who were interviewed, the analysis showed that personal experiences with the group were consistently attributed to several group processes that took place in the context of their Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs)
Summary
About 3–19% (median 13%) of the general population has heard one or more voices during their lifetime [1,2,3]. A relatively small proportion of voice-hearers seek professional help, which often consists of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy [6, 7]. While these interventions may sometimes alleviate the experience, many voice-hearers indicate that they long for a place to express and make sense of their experiences in a safe and open environment [8, 9]. In response to this need, Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) provide such a place. In the last three decades, HVGs have become an established practice worldwide in both community and psychiatric settings [10]
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