The effect of auditory hallucination-based sound simulation application that is listened to by caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia on their emotional expression and perceived family burden

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of an Auditory Hallucination-Based Hearing Voices Simulation applied to caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia on their emotional expression and perceived family burden. Method: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with a pre-test and post-test design. A total of 40 caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia participated in the study, with 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. Data were collected between March 2023 and October 2023 through face-to-face interviews using the Personal Information Form, the Expressed Emotion Scale, and the Perceived Family Burden Scale. The intervention group underwent the Auditory Hallucination-Based Hearing Voices Simulation, while the control group continued with only the clinic's routine practices. Measurements were taken for all participants before the intervention and one month after the intervention. Results: In the within-group comparison after the intervention, the level of expressed emotion decreased in the intervention group (p>0.05) and increased in the control group (p<0.001). In the between-group comparison, the level of expressed emotion in the intervention group decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001). In the within-group comparison after the intervention, the level of perceived family burden decreased in the intervention group (p=0.002) and increased in the control group (p=0.029). In the between-group comparison, the level of perceived family burden in the intervention group increased compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Auditory Hallucination Based Voice Hearing Simulation reduces emotional expression and perceived family burden in caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is recommended to inform and encourage nurses about the use of the application, to integrate it into routine nursing care with legal regulations, and to plan studies that evaluate its effectiveness in different cultures.