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Headspace Theater: An Innovative Method for Experiential Learning of Psychiatric Symptomatology Using Modified Role-Playing and Improvisational Theater Techniques

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Abstract

Objective

Headspace Theater has been developed to allow small group learning of psychiatric conditions by creating role-play situations in which participants are placed in a scenario that simulates the experience of the condition.

Method

The authors conducted a literature review of role-playing techniques, interactive teaching, and experiential education, and performed consultations with experts in improvisational theater, live-action role-playing, and cognitive psychology (constructivism).

Results

Participants have universally rated the Headspace Theater experience positively. They affirmed that the simulations evoke emotions and cognitive distortions that create a window into the experience of a patient suffering from psychiatric symptoms. Several participants have also disseminated the techniques and scenarios to their local teaching setting.

Conclusions

Headspace Theater may serve as a useful tool for helping various learners to experientially understand what a person may encounter when under the influence of a mental health condition, and thus help shape attitudes and increase empathy toward such people.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1, USA

    Bruce C. Ballon M.D., F.R.C.P.(C.) &  Ivan Silver M.D., M.Ed., F.R.C.P.(C.)

  2. West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Donald Fidler M.D., F.R.C.P.-I.

Authors
  1. Bruce C. Ballon M.D., F.R.C.P.(C.)
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  2. Ivan Silver M.D., M.Ed., F.R.C.P.(C.)
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  3. Donald Fidler M.D., F.R.C.P.-I.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bruce C. Ballon M.D., F.R.C.P.(C.).

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Ballon, B.C., Silver, I. & Fidler, D. Headspace Theater: An Innovative Method for Experiential Learning of Psychiatric Symptomatology Using Modified Role-Playing and Improvisational Theater Techniques. Acad Psychiatry 31, 380–387 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.31.5.380

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.31.5.380

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