A Rationale and a Use of Graphic Narratives in Health Humanities

Abstract

In the framework of health humanities (HH), this chapter aims to articulate an evidence-based rationale and a specific use of graphic narratives (GN), which include comics and graphic novels, for the development of an attitude of “patient-centered care” in caregivers and an “adaptative psychological response to illness” in patients. Such rationale and use of GN also aims to contribute to patients' decentering, receiving of empathy, and articulation of their experience of illness. First, the background of such use of GN is introduced, by referring to previous research in the field. Second, a presentation of the proposed use of GN is made, followed by a rationale. Third, a set of strategies for analyzing GN in this context, based on research on the psychology of GN, is given and exemplified. Finally, some reflection is offered regarding limitations and needs of the suggested use of GN in HH.