Making Sense of Voices: An Exploration of Meaningfulness in Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Abstract

This article is a qualitative exploration of how auditory hallucinations have been experienced as meaningful to individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. This theoretical perspective is supported by the survey of the literature, which suggests that for many centuries, individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations have been given much more credence than their counterparts in modern society. Most recent studies on auditory hallucinations indicate that auditory hallucinations themselves are not debilitating. Romme proposes instead that the fear of not being able to control or manage the auditory hallucinations can be disabling to the individual. Using a case example from the author’s own work, as well as drawing from other researchers and theorists, the article provides concrete illustrations of how individuals have derived insight from their auditory hallucinations. It is expected that the article may help clinicians better understand auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, particularly with regard to clinical treatment, as well as shed light on the phenomena of auditory hallucinations.