Do voice-hearing assessment measures capture the positive experiences of individuals, and to what extent? A systematic review of published assessment measures

Abstract

Background: Many individuals have positive experiences of voice-hearing (VH). However, current assessment tools do not capture positive aspects of VH as comprehensively as they do negative aspects. This may limit assessment and formulation of VH when people seek support from mental health services. Our review question was therefore:- ‘Do voice-hearing assessment measures capture the positive experiences of individuals, and to what extent?’ Method: We conducted a systematic review of assessment measures which included at least one item on VH. We developed a novel framework to define “positive VH experiences”, which was co-produced by clinical experts in psychosis and people with VH experiences. This framework was then used to identify and map items relating to positive aspects of VH. Results: Thirty-three measures were identified, of which twenty incorporated positive VH experiences. Measures published within the last decade (2009-2019) captured a greater number and diversity of positive VH experiences, compared to measures published prior to 2009. Items relating to the function/intention of voices and the emotional impact, were most commonly identified. Discussion: Results suggest that research perceptions around VH are broadening and the nuances of experiences are increasingly considered alongside everyday and positive psychological functioning. Implications for both services and voice-hearers are discussed in the paper.