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Characterizing core beliefs in psychosis: a qualitative study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2019

Christopher D.J. Taylor Open the ORCID record for Christopher D.J. Taylor [Opens in a new window] ,
Gillian Haddock ,
Susan Speer  and
Penny E. Bee
Christopher D.J. Taylor*
Affiliation:
Secondary Care Psychological Therapies Service, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Humphrey House, Angouleme Way, Bury ML9 0EQ, UK Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Gillian Haddock
Affiliation:
Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Susan Speer
Affiliation:
Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
Penny E. Bee
Affiliation:
Division of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
*
*Corresponding author. Email: chrisdjtaylor@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background: Cognitive behavioural treatments are recommended for people with psychosis. Core beliefs regarding the self and others are a key part of the models underpinning cognitive behavioural therapy but detailed understanding of these putative beliefs in people with psychosis are limited. A greater understanding of these mechanisms is necessary to improve and refine treatments.

Aims: This study utilized a qualitative approach to explore core schematic beliefs in psychosis (strongly held positive and negative beliefs about the self and others) and their relation to hallucinations and delusions.

Method: Twenty individuals with psychosis participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews.

Results: Four emergent themes were identified: (i) the solidity and permanency of core beliefs, (ii) the causes and development of core beliefs, (iii) a synergistic relationship between core beliefs and symptoms, and (iv) core beliefs associated with images and their influence on psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the range and character of core beliefs in psychosis and provides important data to guide ongoing and future development of treatment approaches for psychosis.

Keywords

core beliefsinterviewpsychosisschemaschizophreniaqualitative
Type
Main
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 48 , Issue 1 , January 2020 , pp. 67 - 81
Copyright
© British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2019 

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