The experience of change and psychological growth in people with psychotic symptoms : a phenomenological approach

Objective. The present study explored people‘s subjective experiences of positive change to understand if experiences of growth are evident in people who have experienced trauma and psychosis. Design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit seven participants from local mental health support groups. All participants reported a diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum of disorders and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule designed for the purpose of this study. Methods. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results. Participants described the processes involved in moving towards positive change, with the overarching theme describing a journey towards recovery. Two superordinate themes were identified in the study and included: 'barriers to change' and 'the adapting self'. A number of subordinate themes were discussed within these. Conclusion. Participants described key changes in facilitating psychological growth and recovery, including: self-acceptance, adapting to their experiences and self-integration and identity re-formation. Social support, finding meaning and purpose and regaining control over their lives were also integral in facilitating the process towards psychological growth. The study discussed clinical implications in relation to the changes needed in the provision of psychological therapies to aid and promote psychological growth in this population. Methodological considerations of the research are discussed and future research ideas are suggested.