Negative symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosocial treatment: thematic analysis of stakeholders’ perspectives

Smith, Philip (2016) Negative symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosocial treatment: thematic analysis of stakeholders’ perspectives. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objectives. Recent literature indicates variance in psychosocial treatment preferences for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Attempts at defining therapeutic aims and outcomes for negative symptoms to date have not included major stakeholder groups. The aim of the present study was to address this gap through qualitative methods.
Design. Thematic Analysis was applied to qualitative semi-structured interview data to gather the opinions of people who experience negative symptoms, carers, and healthcare professionals. Participants were recruited from two mental health sites (inpatient/community) to increase generalisability of results. Ten people participated in the research.
Methods. Semi-structured interview scripts were designed utilising evidence from the review in Chapter 1 of effective psychosocial intervention components for specific negative symptoms. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data.
Results. A common theme across groups was the need for a personalised approach to intervention for negative symptoms. Other themes indicated different opinions in relation to treatment targets and the need for a sensitive and graded approach to all aspects of therapy. This approach needs to be supported across systemic levels of organisation with specific training needs for staff addressed.
Conclusions. There is disparity in treatment preferences for negative symptoms across major stakeholders. The findings suggest an individualised approach to intervention of negative symptoms that is consistent with recovery. Implementation barriers and facilitators were identified and discussed. There remains a need to develop a better understanding of treatment preferences for patients.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: schizophrenia, negative symptoms, stakeholders, thematic analysis, narrative synthesis, systematic review, psychosocial, interventions.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: McLeod, Dr. Hamish
• Date of Award: 2016
• Depositing User: Dr. Philip Smith
• Unique ID: glathesis:2016-7589
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 27 Sep 2016 15:10
• Last Modified: 06 Oct 2016 07:36
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/7589