Stephanie Minchin, a final year Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, writes:
I am a final year Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire with an interest in learning more about hearing voices. I am doing my final year project on the cultural understandings of hearing voices.
I am looking for African-Caribbean men who would like to take part in a research study on the experience of African-Caribbean/Black British men who hear voices
Are you:
- Someone who currently hears a voice(s) OR has had the experience of a hearing voice(s) in the last two years
- Someone who identifies as African-Caribbean or Black British
What is the study about?
The aim of this study is to explore what it is like to be a African-Caribbean man who hears a voice(s). The purpose is to explore multiple perspectives and cultural contexts of people living with the experience of hearing voices in order to better understand the experience.
We will talk about your experience of hearing voices and how you and other people make sense of voice-hearing. I am particularly interested in talking about how hearing a voice(s) is understood in your cultural community, your personal identity, how you cope, any positive or protective aspects of hearing a voice(s) and your hopes for the future.
Do I have to take part?
It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to take part in this study. If you do decide to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you change your mind at any time during the study you can withdraw, without giving a reason.
What would I have to do in the study?
If you decide to take part in the study, you will do a face-to-face interview with me, the researcher. The interview will last for approximately 60-75 minutes.
You will be given the opportunity for a follow-up meeting, either face-to-face or on the telephone, with me, the researcher. We can discuss your experience of the interview and my understanding of your experience, as well as providing more an opportunity for any questions to be answered.
Where will the interview happen?
The interview will happen at a place and time convenient to you e.g. a quiet space, in a comfortable environment, at local group, or at a local health centre. We can decide this together.
Is the study confidential?
Yes, the study is anonymous and confidential. This means that no names or identifying features will be in the study.
The interview will be recorded and some direct quotes from the interview may be used in the study write-up (thesis and journal article) however, quotes will not be linked with identifying features or names.
What if I am interested in taking part?
If you are interested in taking part you can discuss this with someone independent, or contact me by email (contact details below). We can then discuss any further questions you may have about the study. Once we have spoken you can decide whether you would like to take part in the study.
I am interested in taking part, what do I do next?
If you would like some more information about the study or are interested in taking part in the study, please contact me on 01707 286322 or get in touch by email.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that you get in touch soon.