The Importance of "Empty Gestures" in Recovery: Being Human Together. Issue 3 (7th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Skatvedt, Astrid
• Is Part Of: Symbolic interaction. Volume 40:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2017-03-07
• Subjects: generic social processes -- interaction ritual -- everydayness -- identity -- person centered care; Symbolic interactionism -- Periodicals; Interactionnisme symbolique -- Périodiques; 302
• DOI: 10.1002/symb.291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6086

Abstract

Abstract : What do clients/patients want or value from their encounters with healthcare providers? Based on ethnographic research conducted with individuals suffering from drug addiction and mental health issues, this article argues that clients/patients treasure "everyday" or "human" interaction with medical staff. Everydayness is accomplished through three generic social processes: **co‐silence, inclusion in back‐stage activity, and physical dramatizations of authenticity. These processes and other ordinary interactional strategies for "being human together" should be seen as vital tools for recovery.