Delusions and Identity in Ethnic Minority Groups
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Delusions and the role of social identity in ethnic minority groups: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
IRAS ID
286880
Contact name
Victoria Vass
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Ethnic minority groups in the UK are at greater risk of developing psychosis. The reasons for this increased risk are not well understood but appears to be related to specific symptoms, with ethnic minority groups showing higher rates of both clinical delusions and delusional ideation. Experiences such as perceived racism and discrimination also appear to be related to this increased risk.
Such findings have led researchers to suggest that social identity may be a key factor in the development of delusions in ethnic minority groups. Social identity relates to behaviour and attitudes towards different social groups, and how self-concepts form based upon the different groups to which people belong. Experiences such as discrimination can have negative impacts on identity, and investigating ethnic minority identity in the context of clinical delusions could improve understanding and approaches to prevention and treatment. However, there has been little research qualitatively investigating identity in ethnic minority groups with experiences of delusions.
The current study aims to qualitatively investigate how those from an ethnic minority background with experiences of clinically relevant delusions think about their own identity, and understand how identity may relate to their experiences of delusions. The study will use an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach, a method which focuses on lived experiences and the interpretation of meaning assigned to those experiences. The study aims to recruit a minimum of seven participants to take part in a roughly one hour long remote interview. Participants will be recruited through community mental health teams, and will be reimbursed for their time. Eligible participants include those over 18 years of age, who identify as an ethnic minority group and have had a clinically relevant experience of delusions. Those who have accessed acute care services within the past 6 months will be excluded.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0361
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion