Auditory hallucinations : an investigation of associated trauma, dissociative and schizotypal factors

• Main Author: Hardie, Julie
• Published: University of Edinburgh 2008
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.652088

The current study aimed to explore how trauma, dissociation and schizotypy are associated with auditory hallucinations within clinical and non-clinical populations. The study used a cross-sectional design with clinical and non-clinical groups. Forty-four individuals were recruited into the study and assigned to a psychosis group, an emotional disorder group or a healthy volunteer group. All participants completed measures of auditory hallucinations (severity and predisposition), alongside measures of trauma (the Trauma, History Questionnaire), dissociation (the Dissociative Experiences Scale), and schizotypal cognitions (the Rust Inventory of Schizotypal Cognitions). Between group analysis indicated significant differences between groups on the measures of trauma, dissociation and schizotypal cognitions. The psychosis group reported significantly greater scores on the depersonalisation and derealisation subcomponent of dissociation and schizotypal cognitions than the emotional disorder group and healthy volunteer group. Across the three groups, correlation analysis indicated that trauma, dissociation and schizotypal cognitions correlated significantly with predispositions to auditory hallucinations, whilst dissociation, schizotypy and emotional abuse correlated significantly with severity of auditory hallucinations. Of the factors measured, the depersonalisation and derealisation subcomponent of dissociation and schizotypal cognitions were found to predict predisposition to auditory hallucinations, whilst depersonalisation and derealisation was found to predict severity of auditory hallucinations. Results confirm the significant association of trauma, dissociation and schizotypal cognitions with auditory hallucinations and indicate the depersonalisation and derealisation, and schizotypal cognitions are specifically important in the development of auditory hallucinations. These findings may have theoretical implications for understanding the cognitive processes involved in psychosis and clinical implications for the treatment of auditory hallucinations within clinical settings.