Cancer decision-making interventions commonly utilize narratives as a persuasive strategy to increase identification with the message source, promote involvement with the topic, and elicit greater willingness to adopt recommended behaviors. However, there is little empirical research examining the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of this strategy in the context of cancer research participation. Data for the current manuscript were collected as part of a larger study conducted with cancer patients (N = 413) from the USA, UK, and the Republic of Ireland. Participants viewed and evaluated video-recorded vignettes, illustrating different strategies for discussing clinical trials participation with family members. Results showed nationality was a significant predictor of identification with the main character (i.e., patient) in the vignette. Unexpectedly, these cross-national differences in identification disappeared when patients currently undergoing treatment had higher perceived susceptibility of their cancer. Identification with the main character in the vignettes was a significant predictor of intentions to participate in cancer research, but only when the mediating role of narrative transportation was considered. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering how individual and social identities influence identification with characters in cancer narratives and yield practical guidance for developing arts-based interventions to increase cancer research participation.

No abstract

Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQQ) often experience heterosexism, homophobia, prejudice, and bullying in addition to the typical demands of adolescent development. Applied theatre programs have been shown to empower youth, improve mental health and well-being, and create positive identity and interpersonal relationships and, as such, have the potential to strengthen a range of protective factors for LGBTQQ youth. However, when programs engage participants in personal narratives, practitioners must be prepared to deftly navigate between the two domains of theatre in health and drama therapy. Since 2017, the University of Florida’s (UF) Center for Arts in Medicine has offered an afterschool theatre program for LGBTQQ youth in partnership with clinicians from UF Health’s Youth Gender Clinic and faculty in the Mental Health Counseling training program in the College of Education. Theatre practitioners lead the program in partnership with mental health professionals, who participate in sessions and are “on call” for participants. Program facilitators have developed a set of guidelines for organizations attempting to start LGBTQQ or other youth theatre programs in their local communities, which include the following recommendations: (1) prioritize safe and ethical practice through creating sustainable partnerships between mental health counsellors, experienced theatre practitioners, and local LGBTQQ organizations; (2) develop a clear contract between participants and facilitators regarding program goals; (3) utilize Baim’s drama spiral as a conceptual tool and limit program activities to the first four spiral rings; (4) emphasize “play” and skill building rather than LGBTQQ topics.

Many individuals experienced increased isolation and loneliness due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on social activities, yet the impacts of this isolation can be more pronounced for vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ youth. In order to offer a destigmatized space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect during the pandemic, facilitators at the University of Florida modified an LGBTQ+ youth theatre programme (Theatre Connect) to be delivered via an online platform. In the spring of 2021, facilitators developed an eight-week Commedia dell’Arte curriculum that was delivered over Zoom to nine youth. Although modified to fit the needs of the group, the programme provided the opportunity for urban and rural youth to connect with one another and develop theatre skills in a safe environment. These field notes describe curriculum development as well as challenges, successes and feedback. Due to the success of this programme, Theatre Connect will maintain online programming in future seasons.

The Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida (UF) partnered with the UF Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders to develop a storytelling program for individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their families. Over ten weeks, participants shared stories regarding their experiences with OCD and engaged in theater and storytelling exercises. In collaboration with each other and the facilitators, participants workshopped and transformed their stories into a cohesive theatrical performance. Participants performed in front of a live audience and engaged in a post-show discussion with the audience, which focused on the diagnosis of OCD, stigma regarding the illness, and the benefits of the program. Program members participated in a post-program focus group and completed a qualitative and quantitative online survey. Participants reported improved understanding of their OCD, more acceptance from family and friends, less shame and guilt related to their OCD, and more confidence about sharing their OCD stories. Although the program was not designed to be therapeutic, participants also reported therapeutic value. Preliminary findings of this study suggest storytelling programs can lead to a reduction in both self-stigma and community stigma; improvement of understanding of the lived experience of OCD by families, loved ones, and clinicians; and facilitation of interpersonal connections.