Elisa Gatiss, Robert Dudley, Bryony McGregor, and Mark Freeston (2006)Positive Experiences of Voices University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. UK
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Sanjuan J, Gonzalez JC, Aguilar EJ, Leal C and Os J; Pleasurable auditory hallucinations Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 2004; 110 (4); 273-278
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Source: BBC Online 14/09/2006

Hearing voices has traditionally been viewed as a negative thing and a symptom of mental health problems, but new research has revealed not only do four percent of people hear voices, but some say that the voices are a positive part of their lives.

Four percent of people hear voices

Now the University of Manchester is taking it one step further and trying to discover some of the factors that influence how people respond to and cope with their voices, with the hope that increased understanding will enable developments in psychological treatment to better help those who find their voices distressing.

But how can hearing voices in your head be a good thing? Researcher Aylish Campbell says voices are a natural part of life and that how it affects you depends how you react to the experience.

"Research suggests that many people hear voices in their head without suffering from any mental illness," she explains, "Some people report that their voices offer them encouragement, comfort or inspiration as they go about their lives.Aylish Campbell

"Many researchers believe that hearing voices may be part of normal human experience and that everyone is susceptible to hearing voices to differing degrees - for instance, most people have had the experience of hearing someone call their name when in fact nobody is present.

"Most people have had the experience of hearing someone call their name when in fact nobody is present."

Aylish explains how we are all susceptible to hearing voices

"However, people respond to hearing voices in very different ways. Some experience extreme distress and fear, which can cause disruption to their lives, while others accept or welcome their voices."

It’s thought that the voices heard by psychiatric patients and members of the general population seem to be of the same volume and frequency, yet they are interpreted differently. The team believes that external factors such as a person’s life experiences and beliefs may be the key to these differences: for example, the presence of childhood trauma or negative beliefs about themselves could have an affect.

According to Aylish, if a person is "struggling to overcome a trauma or views themselves as worthless or vulnerable, or other people as aggressive, they may be more likely to interpret their voices as harmful, hostile or powerful."

The team are asking people in the northwest aged 16 years and over who have been hearing voices for at least six months to get in touch to help with the research. People interested in participating can call 0161 306 0405 or email: voicesresearch@hotmail.co.uk

Last updated 11/06/2007

We received this request in February 2006, so the research may be further advanced, see contact details for the researcher, Hannah Osborne, at the bottom of article:

Many people will hear voices at some point during their life and research has shown that some people experience their voices as positive, live rich and fulfilling lives and do not require psychiatric or psychological help. Hearing voices therefore cannot be explained by mental illness alone and clearly lies on a continuum with normality.

Commonly adopted beliefs about the nature of voices are those of a paranormal, mystical and spiritual explanation. Despite this, most research to date focuses on the negative experiences of voices and on people who feel distressed as a consequence of hearing voices.

We hope that increased understanding of the psychological features of positive experiences of hearing voices in spiritual believers will result in a more comprehensive understanding of what makes people able to deal with these kinds of experiences. Such understanding could lead to the development of ‘normal’ models of voice hearing as well as enabling therapists to work more effectively with clients who have negative experiences of voice hearing.

What can you do to help normalize the experience of voice hearing?

We are looking for people who have the following characteristics. We would like them to undertake a telephone interview exploring aspects of their voice hearing experiences:

• Your beliefs are of a paranormal, spiritual, mystical or psychic nature. • You are having both positive and negative voice hearing experiences. • You have never received any psychiatric or psychological treatment for voice hearing. • You do not use illicit drugs or anti-psychotic medication.

What does the Interview Involve?

The interview consists of two parts which may either be completed in one phone call, or time may be arranged to complete the second part another day. Each part of the interview will take approximately one hour. Some of the things that you will be asked in the interview are: to describe your voice(s), how you deal with the voices and how the experience makes you feel. The interview will be tape recorded in order to supplement the written notes that are taken by the researcher. Following the interview you will have a chance to ask any questions as well as talk off the record about any issues that have risen during the interview. Also if requested, comments during the interview may be off the record.

What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?

We do not feel that there are any risks or disadvantages involved in taking part in this study. However, should you find some of the things asked in the interview difficult to talk about, the interview can be ended immediately, and time will be made to talk things through with you. In addition you will be given a contact number in the event that you experience any distress after completing the interview.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

If we could explore features of both positive and negative experiences of hearing voices then it might be possible to use this knowledge to help people who are finding it difficult to cope better. Your account of voice hearing will help us to increase our understanding of this type of experiences and in turn, this will inform and improve psychological interventions for people who find these experiences distressing and difficult to cope with. In turn it will help to normalize the experience of hearing voices, recognize that voices can be experienced in the absence of distress and further highlight its prevalence within the general population.

If you are interested in volunteering for or finding out more about this piece of research please contact:

Hannah Osborne Assistant Psychologist South of Tyne and Wearside Mental Health Trust Monkwearmouth Hospital Sunderland SR5 INB