Friel, D. (2024). A heuristic inquiry into the process of labelling anomalous experiences during psychosis [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Alef Trust & Liverpool John Moores University.
This heuristic inquiry was conducted to find out more about labelling anomalous experiences during the altered state of consciousness named psychosis by psychiatrists. There are differences in opinion from psychiatric and transpersonal psychological perspectives regarding the nature of psychosis. These perspectives could be better informed by understanding the lived experience of those who have had anomalous experiences which have led to a psychosis diagnosis. The questions guiding the research were: How does one describe anomalous experiences during psychosis? How does the label evolve in relation to inner experience and external environment? This research looks into the role of inner experience and external environment on the development of descriptions and labels during psychosis. Participants were invited to give an account of their experiences of describing and labelling anomalous experiences in semi-structured online interviews. They described how anomalous experiences changed their perception of reality and their sense of identity. They described a complex process of adopting and rejecting labels based on resonance or dissonance with the language available to them. The research highlighted the role of stigma as a motivator for rejecting psychiatric terminology and the role of shame in seeking to dismiss their experience. Participants described how stigma led to a continued search for descriptors in unorthodox places such as transpersonal psychology. The research raises further questions about the utility of psychiatric diagnoses in the age of the internet, where individuals have a wealth of resources available to guide them and support them to find their own labels.
