Headspace theater: an innovative method for experiential learning of psychiatric symptomatology using modified role-playing and improvisational theater techniques.
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.


METHODS
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.
Ballon
Bruce C
BC
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, CAMH, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada. bruce_ballon@camh.net
Silver
Ivan
I
Fidler
Donald
D
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D003479:Curriculum; D004324:Drama; D004645:Empathy; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D016544:Patient Simulation; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D011936:Reality Testing; D012381:Role Playing; D012803:Sick Role