Presentation Information
[EW-1]“POLARIZATION – A SYMPTOM OF SOCIAL ILLNESS”
Overcoming Polarization – Tools for Health Professionals and Educators
*Marcos de Noronha2, Vincenzo Di Nicola3, Itsuo Asai1 (1.Heart Clinic Medical Corporation(Japan), 2.World Association of Cultural Psychiatry(Brazil), 3.University of Montreal(Canada))
Keywords:
Polarization,SOCIAL ILLNESS,Workshop
Polarization is a global phenomenon exacerbated by mass communication that, while bridging distances, negatively affect human interactions. Despite ancient roots, polarization today stands out as a public health concern. For health professionals and educators, addressing polarization requires preparation, cultural and emotional awareness, and effective techniques for working with individuals and groups.
This workshop employs catharsis as a central tool, creating a space for communication and learning about the effects of pathological polarization, with a focus on the role emotions play in shaping perceptions. The connection between emotions and perception originated in early human societies and is evidenced in anthropological studies, where rituals served as a means of social integration. Among modern psychotherapeutic techniques, psychodrama stands out by systematizing the use of catharsis to uncover behavioral patterns and foster understanding.
Pathological polarization often leads individuals to develop "cognitive immunization," a defensive mechanism that avoids exposure to opposing arguments. However, overcoming this barrier is possible by developing a deep understanding of the “physiology of prejudice,” enabling active listening and constructive dialogue. Rituals, including religious ones, and psychotherapeutic techniques can contribute to understanding and overcoming these barriers, helping us address differences that may spark conflict.
The issues that drive polarization include: religion, ideologies, global conflicts, pandemics, and power struggles. However, the roots of prejudice and division among people remain consistent. While there is no universal solution to these challenges in a diverse world, professionals in health and education must understand the origins of polarization and develop emotional and rational tools to act with balance and empathy.
In this workshop, we use psychodramatic techniques, starting with sociometry, to identify participants and their cultural positions, followed by sociodrama to introduce basic concepts of emotion and its representations. Through active participation, we explore ways to listen and engage with others that foster bridges instead of barriers.
This workshop employs catharsis as a central tool, creating a space for communication and learning about the effects of pathological polarization, with a focus on the role emotions play in shaping perceptions. The connection between emotions and perception originated in early human societies and is evidenced in anthropological studies, where rituals served as a means of social integration. Among modern psychotherapeutic techniques, psychodrama stands out by systematizing the use of catharsis to uncover behavioral patterns and foster understanding.
Pathological polarization often leads individuals to develop "cognitive immunization," a defensive mechanism that avoids exposure to opposing arguments. However, overcoming this barrier is possible by developing a deep understanding of the “physiology of prejudice,” enabling active listening and constructive dialogue. Rituals, including religious ones, and psychotherapeutic techniques can contribute to understanding and overcoming these barriers, helping us address differences that may spark conflict.
The issues that drive polarization include: religion, ideologies, global conflicts, pandemics, and power struggles. However, the roots of prejudice and division among people remain consistent. While there is no universal solution to these challenges in a diverse world, professionals in health and education must understand the origins of polarization and develop emotional and rational tools to act with balance and empathy.
In this workshop, we use psychodramatic techniques, starting with sociometry, to identify participants and their cultural positions, followed by sociodrama to introduce basic concepts of emotion and its representations. Through active participation, we explore ways to listen and engage with others that foster bridges instead of barriers.