An investigation into the experience of hearing voices network groups

Voice hearing has a diverse history but is currently understood as symptomatic of a disease within psychiatric frameworks. Alternatives to 'treatment' include peer-support 'Hearing Voices Network groups' (HVNGs) which have grown in popularity and exist alongside treatment-based hearing voices groups. Few studies have investigated processes underlying change in HVNGs. Established research into therapeutic factors and personal recovery may provide frameworks elucidating change processes.
This study aimed to investigate how HVNG attendees experienced change within the group and how this change influenced their lives.
A qualitative design was employed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to elucidate group processes through immersion in the perspectives of group attendees.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals who were purposively sampled from two HVNGs. Interviews lasted from 34 to 54 minutes, were recorded on a Dictaphone and later transcribed verbatim.
Four superordinate themes emerged: 'healing', connecting with humanity; group as an emotional container; making sense of the voices and me; and freedom to be myself and grow.
The study concluded that relationships, safety, exploration of voices and group ownership are key components of HVNG and fit into frameworks of therapeutic factors and recovery processes. Development of HVNGs should take these processes into account. Future studies should further elucidate processes.