Psychosis and Gender: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (and Gender) in Psychosis but Were Afraid to Ask

Haarmans, Maria

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-05870-2_15

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“…(2018) found that the girls in their adolescent sample reported significantly higher levels of paranoia. Given this, it is surprising that, apart from debates about sex differences on quantitative measures (e.g., Freeman et al ., 2011), psychosis researchers have given relatively little attention to the role of gender, and we concur with Haarmans’ (2015) call for the adoption of sex‐ and gender‐based analyses, for example investigating the influence of gender roles on the content of psychotic experiences.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

“…Clinicians working with people experiencing distressing levels of paranoia need to avoid invalidating responses (Arnold & Vakhrusheva, 2016). Dialogical and narrative therapeutic techniques could be of help in enhancing people's internal and external dialogues (Strong, Lysack & Sutherland, 2008; White, 1995), whilst potential links between paranoid experiences and categories of identity like gender or cultural background could be explored since social inequalities appear to be associated with paranoia (Cromby & Harper, 2009; Haarmans, 2015; Harper, 2011; Janssen et al ., 2003). Finally, it may be useful to discuss with clients how a ‘paranoia heuristic’ may have developed as a way of managing past aversive experiences and to collaboratively develop new therapeutic narratives (Johnstone & Boyle, 2018; Johnstone, Boyle, et al ., 2018).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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How is paranoia experienced in a student population? A qualitative study of students scoring highly on a paranoia measure

Harper

Timmons

2019

Psychol Psychother

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Objectives Recent studies have suggested that students may experience high levels of paranoia. This study aimed to explore both experiences of paranoia and coping strategies in students scoring at high levels on a measure of paranoia. Design This was a qualitative study which utilized a quantitative measure to identify potential participants. Methods From an overall sample of 174 London‐based university students in the United Kingdom, a sub‐sample of 31 students with the highest total scores on the Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scale were invited to interview resulting in interviews with seven students (six female and one male) aged between 20 and 36 (M = 28.14). A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted from a critical realist standpoint. Results Two key foci structured the analysis: perceived causal influences on paranoia (comprised of ‘historical contexts fostering mistrust’; ‘finding a social situation strange’; ‘anticipating threat’; and ‘evaluating the concern’) and living with paranoia (comprised of ‘effects on everyday life’ and ‘trying to minimize the effects of paranoia and regaining control’). Conclusions Key aspects of the findings discussed in the context of the literature include paranoia as a threat heuristic; the role of internal and external dialogues; the influence of gender on content; and the importance of meaning in life as a coping resource. Practitioner points Paranoia may be a significant issue for some students. Paranoia needs to be seen in the context of past aversive experiences. Dialogical approaches may be useful in developing new therapeutic narratives. Valued social roles, activities, and responsibilities may be an important coping resource.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How is paranoia experienced in a student population? A qualitative study of students scoring highly on a paranoia measure

Harper

Timmons

2019

Psychol Psychother

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“…In light of increasing calls for consideration of gender in psychosis research and treatment (Boyle, 1997; Haarmans, 2019a), and even suggestions that treatments are failing to consider gender‐specific needs and challenges (Seeman, 1983), the present study seeks to better understand potential effects of gender, particularly whether the kinds of disruptions psychosis brings to one’s sense of self and the world differ for men and women. For this investigation, we interviewed male and female adults diagnosed with a schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder who were matched on other demographic variables.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How psychosis interrupts the lives of women and men differently: a qualitative comparison

et al. 2020

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Purpose Psychosis disrupts how persons experience themselves and their lives. Despite knowledge that gender differences have been noted in presentation and course of psychosis symptoms, little is known about differences in how men and women experience these disruptions. Method The narratives of 26 men and 27 women diagnosed with psychosis, matched on age, education, and race, of the impact of psychosis on one’s life, were compared. Using secondary data from semi‐structured interviews, themes were identified using inductive, phenomenological qualitative analyses. Results Women and men discussed psychosis‐related interruptions to the roles and relationships that shape their identity. Both genders discussed the impact of psychosis on their sense of self, work, and relationships. Nuanced gender differences emerged, informing unique areas of challenge related to (1) parenting and loss of parenting roles, (2) work and loss or changes in work trajectories, (3) isolation and strain on interpersonal relationships, and (4) manifestations of stigma. Conclusions Psychosis may disrupt distinct aspects of life for men and women. Each gender faces the intersection of socially informed expectations that impact one’s experiences of stigma, expectations of others, and manifestations of losses felt in one’s role and sense of identity. Findings inform important considerations for therapy and other services. Practitioner points Gender‐based socialized expectations, losses, and challenges that accompany psychosis are important areas for therapeutic consideration. Current treatments may neglect challenges that are more commonly experienced by women with psychosis.

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Psychosis and Gender: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (and Gender) in Psychosis but Were Afraid to Ask

Cited by 2 publications

References 81 publications

How is paranoia experienced in a student population? A qualitative study of students scoring highly on a paranoia measure

How is paranoia experienced in a student population? A qualitative study of students scoring highly on a paranoia measure

How psychosis interrupts the lives of women and men differently: a qualitative comparison

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