| Popis: |
'The early phase of psychosis is understood to be formative in biological, psychological, and social terms, thus affording major opportunities for secondary prevention' (Birchwood & Fiorillo, 2000, p.182). The current thesis considers the experience of early psychosis and how variables of social cognition, trauma and dissociation, influence this crucial and formative period. Chapter I presents a systematic literature review that explores affect perception in early psychosis. The review suggests the presence of an affect perception deficit in early psychosis, which may be more pronounced for perception of negative emotions. In exploring the nature and impact of an affect perception deficit in early psychosis, it is noted that further research is needed to fully understand the implications. However, affect perception deficit in early psychosis may be improved through psychological interventions. Chapter II presents an empirical paper that explores the relationship between trauma, dissociation and early psychosis, and specifically whether dissociation mediates the relationship between experience of trauma and early psychosis. Results indicated that first episode psychosis clients reported significantly greater experiences of trauma and dissociation, and that correlations between trauma experiences and dissociative symptoms in the first episode psychosis group were stronger compared to a healthy control group. Furthermore, dissociation positively mediated the relationship between experience of trauma and first episode psychosis. Results are discussed in relation to existing evidence and theoretical models. Considerations for future research and clinical implications are also discussed. Chapter III presents a reflective paper, which considers the researcher’s experiences of conducting research in the area of early psychosis. Particular attention is given to the discussion of ethical and methodological considerations in relation to undertaking research in the context of current NHS Early Intervention for Psychosis services. |
