Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
"She took the time to make sure she understood": mental health patients' experiences of being understood
Mona M Shattell1, Sara McAllister, Beverly Hogan
1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Moore Building 320, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA. mona_shattell@uncg.edu
Abstract:
The foundation of psychiatric/mental health nursing is the relationship between nurse and patient. Caring for persons with mental illness within the context of this relationship requires knowledge of the individual. To gain this knowledge, understanding the patient's perceptions and concerns is essential. Research suggests that this understanding does not always occur. The study reported here examined what it means to individuals with mental illness to be understood. In-depth phenomenological interviews revealed three predominant themes: "I was important," "it really made us connect," and "they got on my level." Nurses can use these findings to improve the care of those with mental illness.
Related Concept Videos
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Communication
Within...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
