Hearing voices and befriending schemes

Abstract

Purpose

This Research Watch seeks to summarise two recent research papers. The first examines the case for understanding hearing voices as part of normal experience, while the second looks at befriending schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was carried out for research papers with a mental health and social inclusion focus published within the previous 12 months.

Findings

Studies spanning more than 100 years suggest that hearing voices is more common than usually thought. There is a case for viewing this experience more positively than at present. Interviews involving eight people with mental health conditions and their befrienders suggested that demonstrating empathy and being non‐judgmental helped people with mental health conditions to talk things through with both parties learning from one another. Going out together helped befriendees gain greater confidence to participate in further activities and feel less isolated.

Originality/value

This paper summarises research relating to mental health and social inclusion that has emerged within the previous 12 months.

Citation

Holttum, S. (2011), "Hearing voices and befriending schemes", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 160-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301111186796