HEARING VOICES MOVEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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The "Hearing Voices Movement" refers to a global advocacy and support network that aims to challenge the traditional understanding of hearing voices as always indicative of mental illness. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse experiences of individuals who hear voices, providing a space for them to share their own narratives and encouraging dialogue around alternative explanations and meanings.
This movement highlights the understanding that hearing voices is not solely associated with psychosis, but can also be experienced by individuals with various mental health conditions, as well as by those who do not meet clinical criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis. The goal of the Hearing Voices Movement is to promote a holistic and inclusive approach to understanding and supporting voice-hearers.
The origins of this movement can be traced back to the work of Marius Romme and Sandra Escher in the Netherlands in the late 1980s. They conducted research that challenged the prevailing pathological model of voice-hearing, advocating for a social perspective that acknowledges the significance of personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and lived contexts.
The Hearing Voices Movement has since expanded internationally, offering peer support groups, training programs, and campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigmatization. It advocates for the acceptance of diverse explanations for hearing voices, beyond the dominant psychiatric paradigm. By doing so, it aims to empower voice-hearers, promote self-determination, and facilitate collaboration among professionals, voice-hearers, and their families.
