2024 Oral History Association Annual Meeting

The Schizophrenia Oral History Project is an ongoing project that began as a way to give voice to underrepresented individuals as they were previously believed to be incapable of coherent thought, much less the ability to provide an understandable life history. It has since expanded to include linguistic analysis of narrators’ transcripts in an effort to understand differences in speech patterns that can deepen our understanding of the losses and successes they experience in pursuit of their core values.
Narrators’ Impact on Changes in Knowledge about Schizophrenia
Tracy A. McDonough, Mount St. Joseph University
Lynda L. Crane, Mount St. Joseph University

The Schizophrenia Oral History Project is an ongoing endeavor that currently archives the life stories of more than 65 narrators that not only belie stereotypes but have acted as a catalyst for such change. In this presentation, we will highlight stories that show the ways that persons with schizophrenia are not only proving their detractors mistaken but are also having a significant impact on the improvement of psychiatric treatment itself, both in terms of the interpersonal treatment received and the kinds of therapies and medications offered.
Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count as a Tool to Objectively Code Oral Histories about Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Values
James H. Bodle, Mount St. Joseph University

We used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to code 20 narrators’ transcripts looking for passages where they discussed their diagnosis, and passages where they discussed important values in their life, such as relationships, goals, and career ambitions to tap into psychological processes which may not be fully conscious (Chung & Pennebaker, 2007). These processes can show us when people become defensive, assertive, or feel differences in power with others and could be useful tools in examining oral histories.Fondly remembering the past, but hopeful (though cautious) for the future
Kory L. Phelps, Mount St. Joseph University

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is the theoretical framework for the linguistic analysis conducted, describing the ways in which our narrators bring up both their values and their diagnosis when telling their story. When narrators discussed their values, they were more likely to use positive emotion words, talk about their friends, and their past; however, when discussing their diagnosis, they are more likely to use negative emotion words, talk about their family, and the future.ABSTRACT: Schizophrenia is a severe psychopathology characterized by positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions and also by negative symptoms such as emotional withdrawal and impoverished thought. Unfortunately, many sufferers are stigmatized in the public eye, both by mental health professionals and the average layperson. Label someone as “schizophrenic” and people mistakenly fear them as potentially violent, which can cause them to isolate and/or avoid seeking treatment. Fortunately, that reaction seems to be fading, and it appears to be the case that the more contact we have with people with this disorder, the more accepting our attitudes become. The Schizophrenia Oral History Project is an ongoing project that began as a way to give voice to these underrepresented individuals as they were previously believed to be incapable of coherent thought, much less the ability to provide an understandable life history. Since then, it has expanded to include linguistic analysis of narrators’ transcripts in an effort to understand differences in speech patterns depending on content discussed. And current work is connecting the results of this linguistic analysis to narrators’ core values to deepen our understanding of the losses and successes they experience in pursuit of their core values. During the panel, we will share the progression of this oral history project intended to allow audiences to connect with the humanity of those with a condition that was previously thought to render people incapable of purpose, love, and hope.