ACTING ON COMMAND HALLUCINATIONS - A COGNITIVE APPROACH

This study explores factors influencing compliance with command halluc inations. The most widely acknowledged factor is the content of the co mmand. Three categories of command content were found to be discrete i n terms of compliance: 'innocuous' commands, 'severe' commands and com mands to self-harm. This study takes a cognitive approach and highligh ts the importance of the beliefs individuals hold about their voices. Beliefs appear to be important in determining whether or not individua ls comply with commands and the affect generated. A belief that the vo ice is benevolent was associated with compliance with both innocuous a nd severe commands. In addition, participants who believed they retain ed subjective control over their voices were less likely to comply wit h all types of command. Furthermore, qualitative evidence suggested th at several other beliefs may influence compliance with command halluci nations such as beliefs about the effects of transgression, beliefs ab out the power and authority of the commander, beliefs about the social acceptability of the action (which may be closely correlated or synon ymous with severity) and its effectiveness in achieving a valued goal. Further research is necessary to investigate the importance of these beliefs and their interrelationships more fully.