Abstract
Objectives: Research into voice hearing suggests that behavioural and affective responses to the experience are mediated by a range of interpersonal and cognitive factors, including the relationship between voice hearer and voice. Assessment tools have been designed that assess a person’s beliefs about their voices identity and power as well as the relationship between an individual and their voice. The present study aimed to develop a semi-structured interview to act as a clinical tool when assessing a person’s relationship with their voice(s) and assess the psychometric properties of the interview schedule. Design: A quantitative case series design was used, which used both correlational and between-subjects methods. Participants: A total of 50 people who hear voices participated in the study; of these 32 were in contact with mental health services (the clinical sample) and 18 were not in contact with mental health services (the non-clinical sample). Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures used in this study were the ‘Voice Relating Interview’, which was designed for this study, the ‘Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale’, and the ‘Voice and You’ questionnaire. Results: The interview schedule was found to have good inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity was established with scores on the VAY and ratings of distress. Conclusions: The study provided preliminary evidence to support the reliability and validity of the Voice Relating Interview as a clinical tool for use with people who hear voices.