MOTIVE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
iMproving Outcomes of cogniTive behavIoural therapy for distressing VoicEs: a qualitative study of voice hearers’ and practitioners' views and perspectives (MOTIVE)
IRAS ID
291193
Contact name
Sofia Loizou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy recommended for the treatment of distressing voices. Despite research evidence suggesting its usefulness there have been several criticisms. In particular, research studies investigating the usefulness of CBT for distressing voices have used a range of outcomes (e.g., distress, functioning, compliance to voices), making it difficult to compare findings across studies and to clarify the extent to which CBT is useful. Furthermore, this variability of outcomes indicates that there are differing views among practitioners about what these outcomes should be. Along with this, there has been little focus on the outcomes that matter to people who hear voices and therefore may not be representative of the changes or benefits sought by voice hearers themselves. Consequently, it is important to identify a set of outcomes which are valued both by service users and practitioners.
Aim: to explore views and perspectives of service users and practitioners about what outcomes of CBT for distressing voices should be prioritised.
Method: Service users and practitioners will be recruited from mental health services across Sussex Partnership NHS. Semi-structured interviews will be used to guide:
a) 12-16 individual interviews with service users who have had at least one session of CBT for distressing voices in the past year and are able to talk about their experience and
b) 2-3 focus groups with practitioners (5-8 in each group) who have experience delivering CBT for distressing voices.
All interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis will be applied to identify key themes within the data.Implications: Findings will inform research trials and routine practice about the outcomes of CBT for distressing voices that are prioritised by voice hearers and practitioners. This can provide clarity and consistency in both research and routine practice and contribute to the evaluation and development of CBT for distressing voices.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0257
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion