"Loved and not judged": how African/Caribbeans with a diagnosis of schizophrenia experience the therapeutic relationship in psychological therapy: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Rationale: There is a strong amount of evidence that suggests that the therapeutic relationship is an important aspect of psychological therapy and important in terms of positive outcomes and a significant contributor towards change and valued above any one technique. However, there is limited amount of qualitative research that has focused on how individuals with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia experience the therapeutic relationship. African/Caribbean’s are more likely than white and other ethnic groups to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia and tend to have poorer therapeutic outcomes. Yet very few studies that have examined the experiences of this group, in psychological therapy. Aim: This thesis aimed to address this gap by exploring how African - Caribbean individuals with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, experience the therapeutic relationship in psychological therapy. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Three superordinate themes emerged; Never Condemned (Love without Judgement); A chance to be heard (Fear vs Freedom); Separation from the therapeutic relationship. A description of these superordinate themes and the nine related subordinate themes are discussed. The finding indicate that the therapeutic environment enabled the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

other

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

London Metropolitan University

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Thomas-Hibbert, Veniece

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Athanasiadou-Lewis, Catherine

• 610 Medicine & health

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

N/A

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.londonmet.ac.uk:7342