Thesis (MSc.(Clinical Psychology))University of Limpopo, 2010. / The aim of the study is to analyse the film One flew over the cuckoo’s nest, from a clinical psychology perspective in order to evaluate the possible use of the film and significant concepts depicted therein in a training context. The objectives of the study are to describe the interactional dynamics of the psychiatric system as depicted in the film, to identify and describe the impact of the systems and/or subsystems on the psychotherapeutic growth of “patients” and to provide suggestions for the training of psychotherapists on the basis of the film and the present research. A qualitative, descriptive research design was used to achieve these aims. This allowed for systematic clinical descriptions by four clinical psychologists to be obtained. The study involved an exploration of relevant literature as well as an indepth study of a specific therapeutic group in interaction as depicted in the film. The film was shown to four clinical psychologists. Their findings were analysed, and common themes in their analyses identified. The researcher came to certain conclusions on the basis of the above-mentioned analyses. The findings of this study seem to indicate that the interactional style of the psychiatric staff, as portrayed in the film, contributed to the deterioration of the psychological well-being of the “patients”, thus inhibiting their psychological growth and promoting psychopathology. In spite of the findings, the researcher wishes to recommend the utilisation of this film as a training medium, on condition that a paradigm shift is made away from the traditional medical/psychiatric approach to a ii systems-based epistemology. This could result in viewing the psychiatric system as a hierarchy of interrelated subsystems-in-interaction, and open up possibilities for a redefinition of the various roles of those involved within the larger system. Further research in this direction is strongly indicated and recommended.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962) written by Ken Kesey tells the story at a ward where the patients who reside at the ward are exposed of oppression and humiliation by Nurse Ratched. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: A Play in Two Acts (1963) written by Dale Wasserman is a theatrical play which is based on Kesey’s novel. The purpose of this essay is to argue that Nurse Ratched’s character is pictured as more evil in the novel than the play. In this essay, Ratched’s personality and outer looks was discussed as well as her methods she uses to humiliate and control the inmates. It was argued that Wasserman may have excluded information about Ratched’s character, so the actors have a chance to develop a personal view of Ratched. It was also argued that Ratched may have appeared as unnaturally evil if Wasserman had included all her evil traits, and thus picture her as a larger than life character.

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