Research project
A zero-sum game? Exploring a both-and approach to biological disorder and religious experience in relation to Christians who experience psychosis and/or mania
- Start date: 16 September 2024
- End date: 15 September 2027
- Funder: The British Academy
- Primary investigator: Hannah Waite
Value
£364,652.80
Description
In society and within faith communities, our perception of illness predominantly relies on third-person perspectives grounded in medical research and evidence. While this viewpoint serves a vital purpose, it inadvertently perpetuates an injustice by side-lining first-person narratives of illness. This is particularly evident in faith communities' handling of first-person experiences of mania and psychosis as an individual’s ability to judge reality for themselves is questioned. For instance, when a Christian recounts their encounters with mania or psychosis, these encounters are often pigeonholed as either symptomatic of illness or indicative of a genuine religious experience, seldom both. This categorisation imposes an external, mutually exclusive framework on these personal experiences, leading to the neglect or suppression of individuals' first-person perspectives. This research challenges this mutual exclusivity, striving to amplify marginalised first-person accounts and foster a more inclusive 'both/and' approach that challenge the perceived dichotomy of first person/third person and medical/religious interpretations.
The research uses qualitative research and semi-structured interviews to access first-person experiences and narratives of religious experiences, psychosis, and/or mania to examine if, and how experiences during mania and psychosis, specifically religious experiences, may be both symptoms of a clinical diagnosis, and meaningful religious experience.
Call for Participants
As part of this research project, we are keen to speak with Christians who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, psychosis and/or mania to understand how they interpret these events, particularly in relation to their religious experiences.
If you would like to contribute, please first read the Participant Information below as it is vital for you to understand the purpose of the research, what your involvement will entail, and how your data will be handled.
Participant Information
You are being invited to take part in a research study examining how Christians who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, psychosis and/or mania interpret these events, particularly in relation to their religious experiences.
Before you decide, it is important for you to understand the purpose of the research, what your involvement will entail, and how your data will be handled. Please read this information carefully and consider discussing it with others if you wish. If there is anything unclear or if you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Waite. This document is for your information and does not need to be returned.
The aim of this research is to explore how experiences during episodes of mania and psychosis may be seen as both clinical symptoms and meaningful religious experiences. This study will utilise first-person accounts to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals who identify as Christian interpret these experiences within the context of their faith. Your insights will contribute to a deeper understanding of mental health and faith.
This research is funded by the British Academy and has received ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Leeds.
Do I have to take part?
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You are free to withdraw from the interview at any time without providing a reason, and this will not affect you in any way. If you wish to withdraw your data from the study after the interview, you may do so within four months of the interview. After this period, your data will be anonymized, integrated into the research, and it will no longer be possible to remove it.
What to expect if you participate
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview lasting between 60-120 minutes. Interviews will take place either online or (depending on factors including but not limited to distance) in person. The interview will focus on your personal experiences and perspectives related to mania or psychosis. The conversation will be audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. If participating in an online interview, you are encouraged to use a quiet, private space for the interview to minimise interruptions.
Data use, dissemination, and storage?
All personal information, including your name, contact details, and other identifiable data will be kept separate from your interview responses and will not appear in any reports or publications. Your data will be assigned a pseudonym, and any direct identifiers will be removed from any publications or research outputs to protect your identity.
Your data will be securely stored on encrypted, password-protected devices, and only Dr. Waite will have access to it. Any paper records will be kept in a locked storage cabinet. All data will be retained for a period of five years and will be safely destroyed after 5 years has passed.
With the signed consent form, anonymized data may be included in academic publications, presentations, and may be archived for future research. If used in future studies, data will remain anonymized and handled in compliance with ethical guidelines to safeguard participant privacy.
Results of the research
The findings of this research may be published in academic journals, an academic book, shared at professional conferences, and potentially used to inform both medical and faith communities. The study aims to highlight and respect personal stories, contributing to an inclusive understanding of mental health and religious experiences. By participating, you will be helping to create greater awareness and support for individuals facing similar challenges.
Anonymised data from this project may also be used in future studies, if relevant, in accordance with ethical and legal standards. This will be clearly stated in the participant consent form.
Risks and Benefits of Participation
- Benefits: While there are no direct benefits to you, some participants may find the experience personally meaningful. Your contributions will help advance our understanding of mental health within religious contexts, and may eventually lead to improved support for individuals navigating both faith and mental health challenges.
- Risks: The interview may involve sensitive topics, and some participants may find discussing mental health and religious beliefs emotionally challenging. I aim to approach all discussions with respect and sensitivity. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you may skip questions, pause, or stop the interview entirely. A list of support resources will be provided after the interview (this will also be the case if you want to stop the interview before it is completed).
Contact for further information
This research is being conducted by Dr. Hannah Waite, British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Theology and Religion studies at the University of Leeds.
If you should have any further questions, please contact Hannah at:
University of Leeds,
Botany House, Third Floor, 3.07
Thank you for considering participating in this study. Your insights and experiences are invaluable, and your willingness to share your story is deeply appreciated. I hope this research will contribute to a meaningful understanding of how mental health and religious experiences intersect in the lives of those who navigate both.
Then, if you would like to proceed, please complete the Eligibility Questionnaire on Microsoft Forms.
Your responses will help us determine if you meet the criteria to participate in this study. If you do meet the criteria, you will be asked to provide contact details so a research interview can be arranged.
Please note that your responses will remain confidential. If you have any questions about the questionnaire, feel free to contact Hannah at H.C.Waite@leeds.ac.uk.