Co-creating understanding in outsider research: the importance of consultations with people who experience multiplicity

Eve, Zarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3945-2042 (2022) Co-creating understanding in outsider research: the importance of consultations with people who experience multiplicity. In: Co-constructing Healing Spaces: 22nd conference of the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis, 31 August 2022 - 04 September 2022, Perugia, Italy. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This project represents the initial phase of developing a grounded theory of emerging multiplicity in young people. Multiplicity is defined as the experience of having more than one self in the same body, with selves having separate experiences, memories and emotions. While conceptually similar to Dissociative Identity Disorder, multiplicity is generally not associated with distress and impairment in functioning, and thus an individualised and distinct understanding is required. Utilising a consultation method as the first step of a grounded theory PhD allowed the researcher to identify key areas of importance to the often under researched and misunderstood community. By conducting outsider research, it is vital that language choice and areas of focus are sensitive and carefully considered. An online approach was taken to allow participants to share honest and potentially sensitive considerations regarding how they wish future research to be designed and developed. A positive response to the consultation highlighted a space for this research project, and a need from the community who often feel misaligned with medicalised research. In response to the consultation responses, six key areas of importance were identified, which in turn developed the PhD interview protocol which is currently being utilised by the researcher. Benefits and challenges of the online consultation approach will be highlighted in the poster, allowing attendees to develop awareness, both about the process of developing an inquisitive and healing space for participants, and the multiplicity community. Overall, allowing the community of interest to be involved in research development allows for a person-centred approach to be taken, ensuring a clear understanding of the intersubjective nature of often contested experiences.