If These Walls Could Talk: Reflective Practice in Addiction Studies Among Undergraduates in New Zealand

Abstract

This exploratory study examined reflective practice among a class of students studying a ‘communities and addictions’ course as part of the undergraduate health science degree. Most reflective practice publications are focused on medical or teachers’ training rather than undergraduates in general. This is surprising given that reflective practice is an impetus to deeper learning. The students were required to write a 500 word reflective piece after writing essays on the disease model and a public health approach to problem gambling, substance use, tobacco use, or eating disorders. This innovative study demonstrated that reflective practice can help the students learn on a deeper level both academically and personally. In particular, reflective practice should become compulsory for graduates entering the health sectors as they will cross paths with those suffering from addictions. Themes emerging from the reflective writing were discussed.