Positive aspects of the experience of psychosis: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

This qualitative study is an investigation of subjective accounts of Psychosis, with a particular focus on positive aspects of the experience from people who have continuing treatment needs and from those in recovery. The findings offer insight which is applicable to mental health services, psychological understanding and interventions. 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants, four of whom were in recovery and six of whom had continuing needs. Participants welcomed the opportunity to share their stories, and their descriptions were eloquent and valuable. Interpretative Phenomenologica Alnalysis was used to analyset he data. Subordinate themes were clustered around seven master themes in order to explore how positive experiences fit into the experience of psychosis as a whole and to determine the frameworks people used to find meaning in their experiences. Similarities and differences between the two groups were explored. Participants were interested in exploring positive aspects of their experience. They identified 14 positive sub-themes( e.g . enhanced sensory experiences, support and comfort from the voices, accessing an alternative experience), and their implications (e. g. absolution from responsibility, educational and professional opportunities, empowerment through recovery). Only one participant was unable to identify positive aspects of his experience of psychosis.