The Art of Mental Health Practice: The Role of Drama in Developing Empathy

Abstract

These concepts can be linked with reflective practice in mental health, and a stronger emphasis on the values of this approach could allow the nurse to strengthen the level of empathy they demonstrate.

The Spirit and Intent of Motivational Interviewing

“…To achieve the spirit and intent of MI, HCPs must be able to communicate effective empathetic responses (Pillai, ). Development of empathetic responses through role play exercises has been an effective means of teaching and communicating authentic empathy (Goodwin & Deady, ).…”

Reflective Practice: A Comparative Dimensional Analysis of the Concept in Nursing and Education Studies

“…Consequences. The analysis of theoretical and empirical studies in nursing brings to light a broad consensus on the benefits of RP, principally in the clinical context and especially for quality of care (Billington, 2013;Glynn, 2012;Goodwin & Deady, 2013;McDonald, 2013;Rigby et al, 2012). RP is said to offer nurses a new perspective on their professional practice and on their role by enabling them to learn from their day-to-day experiences (Billington, 2013).…”

“…RP, authors maintain, fosters empowerment (Aston et al, 2012;Gustafsson et al, 2007;Lawrence, 2011), assumption of responsibility and autonomy, and may change attitudes and behaviour (Cleary et al, 2013). It is furthermore said to enhance self-awareness (Billington, 2013;Cleary et al, 2013;Dawber, 2013;Goodwin & Deady, 2013;Rigby et al, 2012), empathy, emotional intelligence, and relationship skills (Bolden et al, 2011). Consequently, it is stated, it fosters an ability to consider the perspective of others (Johns, 2010) and thus support holistic care and a caring approach (Goodwin & Deady, 2013).…”

“…It is furthermore said to enhance self-awareness (Billington, 2013;Cleary et al, 2013;Dawber, 2013;Goodwin & Deady, 2013;Rigby et al, 2012), empathy, emotional intelligence, and relationship skills (Bolden et al, 2011). Consequently, it is stated, it fosters an ability to consider the perspective of others (Johns, 2010) and thus support holistic care and a caring approach (Goodwin & Deady, 2013).…”

Research based theatre in dementia knowledge transfer: views from the front line

“…Thus, it can not only entertain but also facilitate thought, reflection, personal transformation and emotional engagement. For example, some work has been reported on the promotion of empathy in mental health nurses through the use of theatre (Goodwin and Deady, 2013), while a research-based project portraying dementia on stage (Mitchell et al, 2006), resulted in measurable changes in health care professionals' attitudes towards people with dementia (Jonas-Simpson et al, 2012). Nevertheless, research on the use of theatrical and dramatic representation of health-related topics to influence health care staff still remains a relatively neglected area.…”