The analysis of the movie Patch Adams: Is humor the best medicine?
Patch Adams is a movie that is based on a true story. It is about a man who has experienced many things in his lifetime, from being institutionalized in a psychiatric ward of a hospital to being a well-respected doctor that heals and calms many people with humor. This movie portrays many aspects of health communication that we have discussed in this class, and it also accurately represents one of the debates currently taking place in the health communication field. In this paper I will review past terms and models such as: physician-centered communication, collaborative communication, and the biopsychosocial model. These terms will be used to help demonstrate that the information found in the movie Patch Adams is relevant to the field of health communication. Then I will attempt to answer the underlying question of the movie Patch Adams, "Is humor the best medicine?"
Since the beginning of time man has held many different theories on health and what causes illness.
Adam Shub + Steve Shub, ARTCADE, Rabbit Hole Studi...
Adam and Eve and Sergey and Tim
Film poster for Patch Adams (film) - Copyright 199...Some more farfetched than others, but also some that are more believable. For example, the biopsychosocial model still influences many. This model approaches health as an overall encompassing phenomenon. This means that health is affected by more than just physical ailments. Overall health is a product of both physical and emotional
Well being. According to Athena du Pre in her book, Communicating about Health: Current Issues and Perspectives: "The biopsychosocial perspective takes into account patients' physical conditions (biology), their thoughts and beliefs (psychology), and their social expectations". She went on to state, "The biopsychosocial approach is supported by evidence that people's thoughts and emotions have an influence on their overall health".
Considering this, now take a look at the movie Patch Adams. Hunter Adams...
Patch Adams
I love the film. Throughout history there has always been someone who stands out. A person who refuses to follow the stereotypical models and ultimately redefines what it means to be human. Great piece. If I had not seen the film, and I read this, it definitely would have encouraged me to check it out. Thanks a lot, and keep up the good work.
0 out of 0 people found this comment useful.