Echoes of others: A path analytic examination of an interpersonal-cognitive model of voice-related distress.

Distress associated with auditory verbal hallucinations ('voices') is highly variable. This study tests a comprehensive interpersonal-cognitive model of voice distress using path analysis with 180 participants. The model tested in the current paper shows that attachment style predicts negative beliefs about self and others, which in turn predicts negative beliefs about voices, which in turn predicts voice-related distress. Findings support the suggestion that voice-related distress occurs in the context of an insecure attachment style and negative core beliefs about self and others. In addition to focusing on beliefs about voices, a therapeutic focus on attachment style and core beliefs about self and others may be important in order to minimize voice-related distress.