Abstract
Background: AVATAR therapy (invented by Julian Leff in 2008) is a novel talking therapy which aims to reduce distress associated with hearing voices. The approach involves patients dialoguing with a computer 'avatar' of their main distressing voice, facilitated by the therapist, which progressively concedes power across the course of therapy. This qualitative study sought to extend previous qualitative work on treatment acceptability to include a richer investigation of therapeutic processes which are unique to AVATAR therapy and the therapeutic relationship.Methods: Peer researcher-led semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants who received AVATAR therapy as part of the AVATAR2 trial across four trial centres based in England and Scotland. Interviews were guided by a topic guide which was developed in collaboration with people with lived experience of psvchosis. Interviews were conducted by two researchers, one of whom was a local site researcher and the other of whom was a veer researcher with similar lived experience to participants. Using a peer research approach, we involved people with lived experience of psychosis at each stage of the study.
Analytic techniques: Interviews were transcribed, and data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and template analysis. IPA is a qualitative research approach that focuses on exploring not only the participant's lived experiences, but also the emotional and personal meanings associated with these experiences and how this relates to their personal and social world. As 19 is a relatively large sample for IPA, a total of 5 transcripts were selected for IPA processes, based on the richness of data and a homogeneous subsample of therapy completers. The remaining 14 transcripts were analysed using template analysis, utilising the IPA thematic structure as the initial template.
Results & Conclusions: This study has addressed current gaps in the literature, providing a richer analysis of therapeutic processes and unique insight into the participant experience of AVATAR therapy. Once results are published, this will support the optimisation and wider implementation of AVATAR therapy
Date of Award | 1 Oct 2024 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisor | Thomas Ward (Supervisor) & Katharine Rimes (Supervisor) |