Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have garnered increasing empirical support in recent years, with recognised improvements in wellbeing and quality of life, and reductions in distress, anxiety and depression. However, progress has been somewhat slower in investigating the utility of mindfulness for people with psychosis or schizophrenia, perhaps as a result of speculative concerns that mindfulness could exacerbate symptoms. Whilst it is encouraging that there is increasing evidence that mindfulness is safe and therapeutic for people with psychosis, individuals with distressing persecutory delusions have historically been excluded from MBIs. This qualitative study therefore seeks to meet a gap in the literature by investigating the subjective experiences of a mindfulness group for 14 participants who experience distressing persecutory delusions. Semi-structured interviews were employed to understand participants’ experiences of the mindfulness group. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (i) Being in the same boat as others, which participants found normalising; (ii) Agency, involving opportunities to understand and manage my inner world, and having increased choice and control; (iii) Re-engaging with my life, which involved both relating to others and confidence and courage to be myself; and (iv) Group culture, comprising therapist qualities and approaches that facilitated group engagement through safety and respect. This study indicates that mindfulness for distressing persecutory delusions is considered by participants to be a valuable intervention. Clinical implications are discussed.
| Date of Award | 25 May 2022 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | |
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| Supervisor | Josie Millar (Supervisor), Paul Chadwick (Supervisor) & Anna Strudwick (Supervisor) |
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- Context-specific neuropsychological interventions
- Paediatric brain injury
- Distressing persecutory delusions
- Mindfulness
- Reflective practice
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Main Research Portfolio: 1) Systematic review of context-specific neuropsychological interventions for children and young people with brain injuries; 2) Evaluation of a mindfulness group for trainee clinical psychologists: can mindfulness promote the development of reflective practice skills and enhance clinical practice? 3) Mindfulness for distressing persecutory delusions: a thematic analysis of participants' subjective experiences of a group mindfulness programme.
Birdsey, N. (Author). 25 May 2022
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)