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Intrusive Thoughts and Auditory Hallucinations: A Cognitive Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 June 2009

Anthony P. Morrison ,
Gillian Haddock  and
Nicholas Tarrier
Anthony P. Morrison
Affiliation:
University of Manchester
Gillian Haddock
Affiliation:
University of Manchester
Nicholas Tarrier
Affiliation:
University of Manchester
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Abstract

In this paper, an account of auditory hallucinations is outlined, incorporating the phenomena of intrusive thoughts; this is done with reference to the prevailing cognitive models of auditory hallucinations. The account proposes that metacognitive beliefs inconsistent with intrusive thoughts lead to their external attribution as auditory hallucinations, and that such a misattribution is maintained by reducing cognitive dissonance. It is also suggested that the appraisal of the resulting hallucinatory experience elicits behavioural, emotional and physiological responses that may be involved in the maintenance process. The possibility of extending such an account to certain other positive symptoms is discussed, and the theoretical and clinical implications of such an account are considered, and illustrated with a case example. Finally, a number of testable predictions are made.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , July 1995 , pp. 265 - 280
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 1995

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