Contributions to individual distress and personal growth following the experience of hallucinations

Research suggests hearing and seeing things that others do not is universally experienced by many humans; yet, there is a dominant discourse that hallucinations are a negative and debilitating phenomenon. This portfolio examines the differences between those who seek help for their hallucinatory experiences and those who do not, and explores a more positive narrative of experiencing hallucinations as a medium in which a person can develop and personally grow. The portfolio is comprised of three parts.Part one is a systematic literature review, in which existing empirical literature relating to mental health service-use and distress for individuals experiencing hallucinations is reviewed. A total of sixteen studies are first critically evaluated and assessed for quality, then the findings are collated and synthesised to examine the psychological and social factors which may contribute to a rise in hallucinatory distress and/or help-seeking.Part two is an empirical paper, which explores experiences of personal growth with auditory and visual hallucinations. The qualitative study interviewed seven individuals to better understand the experience of personal growth, individuals’ expectations of positive change, and highlight any facilitating or hindering factors in the development of personal growth.Part three comprises the appendices. The supporting information for the systematic literature review and the empirical study are presented, in addition to epistemological and reflective statements to provide further context for the untaken research