Delusion - a qualitative enquiry
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative enquiry into the experience of clinically significant delusions
IRAS ID
167001
Contact name
Rachel Gunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 29 days
Research summary
The research aims to examine the experience of those with clinically significant delusions. The study will explore the characteristics of the symptom (delusion) and compare these with current literature, historical accounts (such as Jaspers, 1963) and clinical definitions, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM5, 2013).
Participants will be recruited from local mental health services and approached by the lead professional involved in their care. The participants may have varying diagnoses, but must be experiencing active delusions to qualify to participate. Up to 10 service users, who are able to talk about their experiences will be recruited for the study. Two separate semi-structured interviews will focus on history, onset and characteristics of the symptom. At an initial meeting steps will be taken to gain informed consent, provide the right to withdraw and protect participants' identities. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed and then analysed using IPA (interpretive phenomenological analysis)(see Smith, Larkin & Flowers, 2009).
The aim of the study is to add to existing literature and increase our understanding of the characteristics of the phenomenon (looking at aspects such as belief status, conviction, emotional components, falsifiability etc.). It is hoped that the findings will inform the philosophical literature and thus therapeutic intervention and future research.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 Task Force (2013) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va: American Psychiatric Association.
Jaspers, K. (1963). General psychopathology / translated from the German 7th edition by J. Hoenig and Marian W. Hamilton. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Smith, J.A., Flowers, P. & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. London: Sage.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0054
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion