A Qualitative Investigation of the Conceptualisation of Psychosis in People of a Muslim Faith

Abstract

Abstract This thesis adds to the literature on psychosis in relation to religion and culture. The review critically appraises the state of knowledge about explanatory models of psychosis across cultures. Twenty-one studies were reviewed employing qualitative methods, quantitative methods and a combination of both methods. The studies demonstrated a complex picture whereby people held biological, psychosocial and spiritual explanatory models to varying degrees depending on socio-cultural context. It was common for people to hold multiple explanatory models. Spiritual and religious explanatory models had greater importance in developing countries when compared with developed countries, as well as for ethnic minorities in developed countries. Recommendations were made for the use of qualitative and quantitative methods within a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework. Future research should seek to pro-actively engage with individuals with psychosis, their families, alternate healing systems and the wider community. Research shows religion to be an important issue for some people with psychosis. The research report explored how people of a Muslim faith conceptualise their psychotic experiences and the role of religion in this conceptualisation. Eight males having experienced psychotic experiences took part in the study. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as the method of analysis. Four super-ordinate themes emerged: The self in relation to others, getting help and moving on, the unseen and the mind in the wider world. The results provide support for the existing literature, in that participants utilised a variety of interpretative frameworks, with religion being important in the struggle to make sense of their psychotic experiences.