Psychosis and Dating Apps: An Invitation to Participate in a Research Study
Description
I am an MSc Clinical and Health Psychology student at the University of Manchester, conducting dissertation research entitled: Mental health professionals’ views and experiences of supporting people with psychosis to use dating apps: Is a brief dating-app use guide feasible and acceptable?
Romantic relationships are a normative and meaningful part of adult life and dating apps have become a common way in which people meet and form relationships. Within clinical settings, conversations about relationships, intimacy, and dating often arise in work with people who experience psychosis; however, the literature suggests that such discussions can feel challenging for mental health professionals and that there is a lack of guidance to support these conversations.
This study aims to explore professional perspectives and experiences of supporting people who experience psychosis with their romantic relationship needs. As part of the study, participants will be invited to review a brief dating-app use guide that was originally developed for the general population, and to reflect on whether it is appropriate for people who experience psychosis, what adaptations (if any) may be needed, and whether they would consider sharing or using such a guide in their clinical practice. The research is exploratory in nature and does not seek to evaluate or judge individual practice.
I am inviting UK-based mental health professionals (e.g. clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, therapists, allied mental health professionals, social workers, trainee clinical psychologists, support workers, etc.) to take part in this study. Your professional judgement and experience are central to developing a more nuanced understanding of how dating-app use - an increasingly normative aspect of adult life - is considered, supported, or approached in clinical work with people who experience psychosis.
What participation involves
• Taking part in one online session: either a small focus group (approximately 90 minutes) or an individual interview (approximately 60 minutes)
• Discussion focused on professional views and experiences, including reflection on a brief dating-app use guide
• A non-evaluative space with no right or wrong answers
• Audio-recording of the session with consent
As a thank you for your time and valuable contribution, participants will receive a shopping voucher following participation.
If you are interested in taking part or for more information, please contact Isheta Sharma (isheta.sharma@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk)
If you feel this study may be relevant to colleagues within your professional network, you are very welcome to forward this invitation to them. There is no obligation to do so.
Thank you very much for considering this invitation.