The need for acknowledging the psychosocial aspects of voice-hearing experiences : review of online information and implications for public mental health education

Abstract

Hearing voices is generally linked to biological factors, but its psychosocial aspects should not be overlooked. The empirical literature indicates the need for acknowledging the psychosocial aspects of voice-hearing experiences. We conducted a review of online health information about voice-hearing experiences and examined if the most widely accessible websites equally covered the biological and psychosocial aspects of voice-hearing. Forty-seven websites (including 23 English websites and 24 Chinese websites) were reviewed and rated. The English websites did not adequately mention trauma-related disorders as potential diagnoses for hearing voices, but there was a balanced discussion regarding the causes and treatment options for hearing voices. In contrast, most Chinese websites failed to acknowledge any psychosocial aspects of hearing voices. A comprehensive approach that recognizes both the biological and the psychosocial aspects of voice-hearing experiences is required to reduce stigma and ethically inform potential service users and the public about the possible causes, diagnoses and treatment options for voice-hearing experiences. Implications are discussed. Online information concerning voice-hearing experiences in the Chinese context should be updated. Mental health information providers in both language contexts should be familiar with the relationship between hearing voices and trauma-related disorders too.