Exploring Unusual Feelings
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Unusual Feelings: A Questionnaire Study
IRAS ID
266177
Contact name
Emma Černis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study is a questionnaire study where 1000 patients with non-affective psychosis will answer a pack of 10 questionnaires (approx. 30 minutes) once. We will then use the latest statistical methods (network analyses) to understand what factors might cause dissociation, and whether dissociation might cause psychotic symptoms.
In our research, we define “dissociation” as experiences where your thoughts, feelings and experiences seem detached, unreal, unfamiliar or otherwise “strange”. We have found that these experiences may cause psychotic-like experiences (such as higher levels of paranoia) in the general public. However, this link has not been tested in a group of people with clinical levels of psychosis. Therefore, this study aims to test whether dissociative experiences cause psychotic experiences in people diagnosed with non-affective psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia). This is important to test, because if dissociation causes or worsens psychosis, it may be helpful for psychosis patients to have psychological therapy for dissociation.
Our previous research in the general population suggested that four psychological factors are important in dissociation: levels of feeling generally capable (general self-efficacy), difficulty identifying emotions you experience (alexithymia), tendency to ruminate (repetitive negative thinking), and dislike or avoidance of experiencing emotions (affect intolerance). However, we do not know whether these psychological factors also influence dissociation in patients, and therefore this study will ask patients to complete questionnaires about these. We also wish to find out what impact dissociation has on patients’ mental wellbeing, so a questionnaire about this will also be included.
To reach a large number of patients, we will require the support of the Clinical Research Network, which has research assistants placed in NHS Trusts nationwide. The study is funded by the Wellcome Trust. Patients will be offered £5 for their time.
The results will help develop a psychological explanation of dissociation in non-affective psychosis. In future, we hope to develop a psychological therapy based on what we learn from this and related studies.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1394
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion