Possible Selves in First Episode Psychosis (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Possible selves in first episode psychosis. A mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
168776
Contact name
Rachel Elizabeth Clarke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
This study will investigate the significance of “possible selves” (imagined scenarios for the self in the future that include hoped-for selves, selves that one would like to become, and feared selves, selves that one is afraid of becoming) in those who have experienced first episode psychosis (FEP).
The theory of possible selves has been applied to a variety of populations and settings. Key findings have demonstrated that possible selves can change behaviour, increase motivation, and are an important consideration in how people adapt to an illness. These concepts are all applicable to recovery following FEP and yet there is only one published study in this area.
This study will recruit 12 participants from Early Intervention services in Norfolk and Youth Mental Health Teams in Suffolk. Each participant will take part in a qualitative research interview to explore their experiences of psychosis and the impact this has had on their future hopes and fears for the future, i.e. their possible selves.
This study also involves analysis of a pre-existing, anonymised data set. This includes data relating to possible selves, symptomatology and functioning from 93 clients aged between 16-35 in the Early Intervention for Psychosis Service in Norfolk. Ethical approval for the collection of this data was gained in 2005 and as such this application relates to the qualitative aspect of the study only.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0188
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion