Online peer support groups for individuals who hear voices: protocol for a nonrandomised feasibility study

Alison Branitsky, Eleanor Longden, Anthony P. Morrison, Sandra Bucci and Filippo Varese

Psychosis, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 12-22

Abstract: BackgroundHearing Voices Groups (HVGs) have proliferated internationally. They are premised on the notion that connections between peers facilitate personal recovery. Little systematic research exists into if, and how, HVGs may be effective, especially when convened online. This paper aims to harmonise standardised research methodology with the liberatory, survivor-led ethos of many HVGs to outline a protocol for the first longitudinal, nonrandomised trial of an online HVG to take place within UK mental health services.MethodsSix to ten adults who hear voices will be recruited from both community and UK National Health Service (NHS) settings to participate in a six-month peer-support group that is delivered via videoconference. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing social support, voice-hearing and feelings of personal recovery and qualitative interviews at baseline and at the end of the group. Participants will also complete measures of group cohesion at weeks 4 and 12.ResultsData will be analysed for feasibility, acceptability and safety.DiscussionThis is the first longitudinal study evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of an online HVG held within the NHS. The findings may provide insights into the impact of such interventions and inform the design of a future, definitive study.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2024.2379325

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