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Biological, psychological and social complexities in childhood development
Biological, psychological and social complexities in childhood development

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2.1 Using media to express emotion

You will now experience an example of an expression of happiness using music and video, which will give you an opportunity to think about the benefits and drawbacks of using this type of media in the expression of emotions.

Activity 7 Using media to express emotion

Timing: Allow 5 minutes

In the previous activity you may have considered using music and/or video, art or dance to express emotions. As these are such expressive mediums, they can at times be used successfully.

Open the link to the Happy: World Down Syndrome Day [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] video in a new tab or window and see if you think it portrays the emotion of happiness. Note your thoughts, including any potential drawbacks, about how well happiness was portrayed in the video.

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Discussion

Music, video and other expressive media can at times arguably be used to express intensity of emotion. There is a cost, for example in terms of time and other resources needed to create or collect the media, and it is less easy to use conversationally on the spur of the moment. It is important to remember though that expressing emotions has an important function for people that can relate to personal development and to positive mental health. The key to personalised, accessible information is creativity in using tools, skills or other resources which the individual can easily access.

Activities 6 and 7 have hopefully helped to remind you of the importance of some of the key elements related to communication when working with people who have learning disabilities and their families. Concepts such as accessible information, gauging a level of understanding and person-centred care are important to remember as they may well come up in early conversations with parents of children diagnosed with a learning disability.

You will now explore what it is like to have a child diagnosed with a learning disability.