Mindfulness is negatively associated with self-focused attention and distress caused by voices. To address this it is imperative to develop therapeutic mindfulness techniques with less self-focus for individuals in distress from hearing voices. 

Mindfulness practices for distress caused by auditory hallucinations/hearing voices 

Self-focused attention has been deﬁned as aware-ness of internally generated information, including bodily sensations, cognitions, and emotional states

Self-focused Attention

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or punishing ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also requires taking a balanced approach to our negative emotions so that feelings are neither suppressed nor exaggerated. This equilibrated stance stems from the process of relating personal experiences to those of others who are also suffering, thus putting our own situation into a larger perspective. It also stems from the willingness to observe our negative thoughts and emotions with openness and clarity, so that they are held in mindful awareness rather than overidentifying with them.

Self-Compassion

Self-compassion, secure attachments, and mindfulness of the voices can reduce the levels of distress caused by voices and the severity of the voices. This suggests using a therapeutic approach of developing mindfulness to the voices as well as developing and strengthening self-compassion.

Self-compassion, secure attachments and auditory hallucinations/hearing voices

After Using the iMPV program participants reported hearing voices had significantly less negative impacts on their mental health, as well as reduced depressive symptoms and voice related disruptions. 

Effectiveness of Mindfulness Programs for Auditory Hallucinations/Hearing Voices

- Self-compassion
- Secure attachments 
- Self-focused attention

Hofstra University

A hallucination is a perceptual experience that happens without any external stimulation. These experiences can affect any sense and are typically vivid and clear, feeling like normal perceptions. The most prevalent type of hallucination, particularly in schizophrenia, is auditory (hearing voices), which affects approximately two-thirds of patients.

Hallucinations

J. Úbeda-Gómez, M.G. León-Palacios, S. Escudero-Pérez, M.D. Barros-Albarrán, A.M. López-Jiménez & S. Perona-Garcelán (2015) Relationship between self-focused attention, mindfulness and distress in individuals with auditory verbal hallucinations, Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, 20:6, 482-488, DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2015.1089225


Relationship between self-focused attention, mindfulness and distress in individuals with auditory verbal hallucinations

Dudley, J., Eames, C., Mulligan, J., & Fisher, N. (2018). Mindfulness of voices, self‐compassion, and secure attachment in relation to the experience of hearing voices. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12153

Mindfulness of voices, self‐compassion, and secure attachment in relation to the experience of hearing voices

Mindfulness Based Interventions for Hallucinations

Hallucinations can manifest through various senses. While auditory hallucinations are the most common form, particularly in schizophrenia, other less frequent types include visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) and olfactory hallucinations (smelling odors that are not actually present).

Types of Hallucinations

Read the following scenario. Based on the details provided, determine whether the individual's experience qualifies as a hallucination. Justify your conclusion by breaking down the components of the experience and relating them to the defining characteristics of this psychological phenomenon.

Analysis of a Perceptual Experience

A person is sitting alone in a soundproofed room when they distinctly hear a voice whispering their name, even though no one else is present and there is no source of sound. Which of the following best describes this experience?

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