Date of Award

6-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Davis, Thomas

Abstract

Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVH) are a generally distressing phenomena that can have a negative impact on the quality of life of the experiencer. Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders often display deficits in social/cognitive domains. Despite this, little is known about how AVHs directly affect social functioning and mental status. Because of this dearth of information, exploratory research is needed to generate potential avenues for future experimental research. Qualitative themes about how AVHs influence behavior were derived from interviews with mental health social workers. Eight primary domains were identified: Behavior, social ability, observable traits, voice plasticity, life difficulty, beneficial auditory hallucinations, coping strategies, and stigmas. Implications of this research could guide future direction for experimental research as well as contribute to assessment and treatment procedures of psychotic individuals.

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