Attachment, family narratives and psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of family attachment strategies and narratives where one family member has experienced psychosis
IRAS ID
196434
Contact name
Marianne Louise Beaumont
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 26 days
Research summary
Psychosis refers to a spectrum of experiences which may lead to a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia and affects one percent of the general population (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2014). Evidence-based interventions for psychosis include psychopharmacology, cognitive-behavioural therapy and family therapy (NICE, 2014) and, in relation to these interventions, theoretical and empirical positions are increasingly recognising the role of the environment and psychosocial influences in the presentation and course of psychosis.
This study aims to understand the psychological understandings associated with experiences described as psychosis. Specifically, this study draws on and expands upon research indicating a link between people’s attachment strategies and experience of psychosis (people with psychosis are reported to use insecure attachment strategies) and allied research within the field of systemic theory with families experiencing childhood illness.
This study aims to use a qualitative design methodology, specifically a multiple case study design, and aims to recruit four to ten families from local NHS mental health services. Individual and conjoint family interviews will be conducted with families and their accounts will be examined in terms of a narrative analysis. It is hoped this study will add to the literature informing current family therapy interventions for families affected by psychosis and the wider empirical research base through dissemination in an international journal.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0315
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion