Work-related experiences of people who hear voices: An occupational perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Hearing distressing voices can be a significant mental health challenge, potentially disrupting working lives. Yet few studies have explored voice-hearing in relation to employment. This study aimed to understand the work-related experiences of voice-hearers, including the impacts on their working lives and their corresponding self-management strategies. Method: A phenomenological approach gathered data from the electronic diaries of five voice-hearers with experience of working. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Critical and distressing voices that demanded full attention were most disruptive of people's working lives, particularly affecting concentration, communication and task completion. At times voices were experienced as neutral and, for some, as supportive of work. Meaningful experiences of work could diminish the negative impact of voice-hearing. A range of resilience strategies were used to manage voices, notably attempts to interact with voices and using activities (including work) to engage or distract them. The diary method of writing about one's experiences emerged as an unanticipated positive occupational coping strategy. Conclusion: Practitioners should pay close attention to the diversity of individual voice-hearing experiences and self-management strategies (including occupational ones) and draw on these to support their clients' participation in work.

Exploring Voice Hearers’ Occupational Experience of Romantic and Sexual Relationships

“…The term "hearing voices" is not clearly defined in the literature. According to Craig et al (2017), hearing voices, or auditory hallucinations, is the phenomenon of experiencing auditory sounds in the environment that others do not perceive. Although commonly thought to refer to auditory sounds alone, hearing voices is an umbrella term that encompasses experience through different types of senses, including visual, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory.…”

“…In addition, hearing voices may or may not be associated with a mental health diagnosis, despite its previous association with diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis (Mental Health Foundation, 2018). Hearing voices has the potential to positively, negatively, or neutrally impact many aspects of daily life, including occupations (Craig et al, 2017).…”

“…This study aims to include context when conducting this study to gain a deeper understanding of individuals who identify with hearing voices and their unique experience of romantic and sexual relationships. Literature Review Craig et al (2017) were the first to publish a study in the domain of occupational therapy that explored the work-related experiences of people who hear voices, the impacts on their working lives, and their self-management strategies. Participants who had critical and distressing voices that demanded their full attention felt that their ability to work was disrupted.…”

“…Occupational science has the potential to generate new understandings of occupation, which has the "potential to expand the scope of traditional practice, beyond disability" (Hocking & Clair, 2011, p. 34). At the time of this study's publication, the Craig et al (2017) study is the only research in the domain of occupational therapy that explores the occupational impact for the population of persons who hear voices. To the researchers' knowledge, there is currently no research that solely focuses on the impact of voice hearing on people's romantic and/or sexual relationships and their occupations.…”

“…This is a significant gap in the field of occupational therapy and occupational science. This study will address the gap by building on the research from Craig et al (2017) by exploring how hearing voices may impact romantic and/or sexual relationships. This research aims to answer the research question: What is the experience of romantic and sexual relationships for those who hear voices, and how do those experiences impact occupations?…”