The impact of social support for people who hear distressing voices 1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the impact of social support on wellbeing: Insights from people who hear distressing voices.
IRAS ID
338642
Contact name
Jessica Sydes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
We're planning a study to understand how individuals diagnosed with first-episode psychosis, who are currently hearing distressing voices, feel about the support they get from friends and family, often referred to as social support.
It is well documented that those diagnosed with first-episode psychosis have smaller social networks than the general population, and, though the nature of this relationship is complex, research has proposed that increasing levels of social support can be beneficial to the well-being of those struggling with distressing voices.
While previous research has focused on the relationship between social support and measurable benefits such as consistency with medication and reductions in hospital admissions, we want to hear directly from those experiencing distressing voices to learn what aspects of social support are most helpful and unhelpful. In this study we will be talking to a group of individuals about their personal experiences, using their stories to help mental health professionals better support others in the future. We're hoping this bottom-up approach will provide a more detailed and personal understanding of how social support can make a difference for people dealing with distressing voices.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0130
Date of REC Opinion
20 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion