Communication
Researchers have found that verbal communication between physicians and patients can actually influence the physical health of the patient. The degree of empathy and understanding the physician illustrates, the trust between patient and physician, and the clarity of the provider-patient communication positively impact the physiological health of the patient. Positive variances in verbal communication from the physician can influence the patient’s overall state of well-being. These effects can range from decreasing anxiety and comforting the patient to decreasing pain3. In a review of relevant literature, Dr. Moira Stewart found that, “effective communication exerts a positive influence not only on the emotional health of the patient but also on symptom resolution, functional and physiologic status and pain control”4. These findings support the reasons why bibliotherapy holds such significant importance to the Balm Reader Project. Through positively affecting the emotions of patients with physical and psychological illnesses through literature, it is hoped that bibliotherapy can assist in improving patient health.
In addition to the proven relationship between effective physician communication and patient health status, a positive relationship between the effects of live, soothing music and physical and emotional health has also been found. In a study focusing on lowering the stress levels of caregivers of individuals with cancer, Hui-Ling Lai and colleagues found that soothing music lowered anxiety and depression as well as benefited blood volume pulse amplitude. Researchers theorize that music affects emotional arousal through lowering stress levels in the autonomic nervous system5. Providing soothing music to individuals with high stress levels bears a strong resemblance to providing comforting literature to individuals suffering from psychological and physical ailments. While future research is still needed, studies such as this one provide a framework for conceptualizing the implications of bibliotherapy programs. The Balm Reader combines the healing nature of verbal communication with a “live performance” of reading that is not unlike playing calming music to patients. In doing so, this reader hopes to create positive changes in the overall health status of future recipients of bibliotherapy. Through seeking to improve the lives of hospice and hospital patients and nursing home residents, the Balm Reader project hopes to revive the bibliotherapy movement and promote healing and comfort through literature.
End Notes
1 Panella, Nancy. "Bulletin of the American Library Association." Bulletin of the American Library Association. 84.1 (1996): 52-62. Web. 3 Dec. 2012. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC226124/pdf/mlab00098-0068.pdf>.
2 Cheu, Hoi, Joseph Gold, and et al, eds. "What Is Bibliotherapy." abal.laurentian.ca. The Association for Bibliotherapy and Applied Literature. Web. 3 Dec 2012. <http://www.abal.laurentian.ca/BibTHP.htm>.
3 Street, Richard, Gregory Makoul, et al. "Patient Education and Counseling." Patient Education and Counseling. 74. (2009): 295-301. Print.
4 Stewart, Moira. "Canadian Medical Association Journal."Canadian Medical Association Journal. 152.9 (1995): 1423-1433. Print.
5 Lai, Hui-Ling, Yin-Ming Li, and Li-Hua Lee. "Journal of Clinical Nursing." Journal of Clinical Nursing. 21. (2011): 745-756. Print.