Correspondence between delusions and personal goals: A qualitative analysis

Objectives. This pilot study describes a qualitative method for exploring d elusions in terms of motivational themes. Design. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed on the basis of an elementary conceptual frame specifying research questions. The analysis of each case uses a structured format. Triangulation was used to check: (i) reliability of motive categories; (ii) their consistent application to del usions. Methods of analysis. All patients had delusions and were diagnosed as havin g a psychotic disorder. Two types of analysis were used: (i) Interpretative phenomenological analysis with features of grounded analysis was used to c lassify motives. Data from 14 participants was used for this. (ii) The seco nd phase was an examination of a possible correspondence of themes and invo lved: (a) a category-led thematic analysis of the delusion in terms of moti vations: (b) a category-led thematic analysis of life goals and problems ag ain in terms of motivations; and (c) an examination of correspondence betwe en (a) and (b). Results. The classification of goals and difficulties suggested six main ca tegories: social connection; competence; experiential base (i.e, states of mind and body); material base (e.g, housing); direction; and evaluation (i. e. how a person evaluates himself or believes others evaluate him). Four ca ses are presented, each exploring the correspondence of themes. Conclusion. The methods of analysis seemed coherent and useful. In the case s presented, the delusions appeared to relate to fundamental concerns in a person's life.