Origins of negative auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) content: the role of childhood trauma, attachment, self and emotion

Negative auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) content is a major cause of distress among voice hearers. Results from the current project (presented in three manuscripts) indicate that traumatic early life experiences, attachment style, experiences of self and emotional symptoms may shape the content of AVHs. These findings provide further insight into the phenomenon of hearing voices, and highlight the importance of recognising developmental experiences in constructions of self, which may in turn contribute to negative AVH content. Childhood trauma, attachment, schema and emotion should be considered in the formulation and treatment of negative and distressing AVHs.