Role-Play Conversation
Jessica, a 23-year-old college-girl, is worried that she could be having Type 2 Genital Herpes. However, she is terrified to get tested. She has spent the whole night worrying about her situation. As it approaches 0600 hours, she begins to think about something else, her partner, James, also a college-mate. Together, they have been in a conversation for the past eight months. However, she realizes the urgency of sharing the information with her partner. He is glad that all will be free throughout the day. She gets out of the bed, stretches a bit, yawns painfully, and reaches to her phone and calls James. She requests James to come over.
(Door knocks at Jessica’s place. Jessica comes to open. The two hugs, and settle straight to the conversation)
Jessica: I called you because I want us to talk about our sex life, and other underlying consequences, especially related to our STIs status
James: That’s nice of you, Sweet. I am all ears now (He smiles, slightly leans forward, and signals Jessica to proceed)
Jessica: We only had our first sex a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, we never talked about this before, but I now see some urgency. I have begun experiencing some funny symptoms of which I suspect could indicate an STI. (She begins to become more emotional, while she suggests a mixture of concern, seriousness, and anxiety). Actually, since the beginning of this week, I have these painful blisters in my private part that, once they break open, oozes some fluid…
James: So you mean… (Angrily raises an accusatory finger towards Jessica)…you went out, cheated on me, and brought an STI?
Jessica: Nay, stop judging me (she raises her voice and becomes more defensive). I have never cheated on you with anyone. Why only see me? Frankly, I am furious at you. I thought that we’d be together for long, only to give me an infection!! (in desperation) What am I going to do?
James: Oooh, you are now accusing me? (Becomes angry)
Jessica: Nay…tell me about Ruth, the girl you used to party with before meeting me? Contrary to me, I have been out of the relationship for over two years. (Both start to argue and shout at each other until they attract the attention of Mercy, Jessica’s neighbor, and a medical student at the college. She starts to approach and shout them down. Both James and Jessica becomes silent)
Mercy: What’s wrong with you? Can’t you see you’re attracting everyone’s attention? What is the problem?
Jessica: I called him to help me out with medical issues only for him to start accusing me of…
Mercy: And which issue?
Jessica: I think I could be having STIs… (She then starts to list the signs…)
Mercy: (Turns to speak to James). James, this is serious, from my assessment, she could be Genital Herpes.
James: How? (Becomes more interested) could we help it?
Jessica: And its treatment?
Mercy: The only sure way to determine a Type II Genital Herpes diagnosis and treatment is via getting screened by a qualified doctor. Furthermore, maybe the infection could have been dormant in a partner who had contracted it from a previous relationship, which could mean that [s]he could not have necessarily been cheating. If the infection is allowed to develop further, it could cause blindness, brain damage, or even death. Such severe consequence only serves to necessitate diagnosis. The disease is also associated with an increased risk of HIV infections (Mathew & Sapra, 2020).
James: And what of treatment?
Mercy: First, STIs may also cause organ damage, cancer, or even infertility. Consequently, it is critical to get tested before involvement in a new relationship; in case one is involved with multiple partners or suspects that they have been cheated on; when one has unprotected sex; or if any signs and symptoms of STIs are suspected. Other STI examples include trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc. (Healthline Editorial Team, 2018). (Continues to do the explanations)
Jessica: And where do we get tested:
Mercy: Go to any sexual health clinic or regular doctor’s office Testing may be done via blood tests, urine samples, or fluid samples (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019).
James: Then we should go (James hurriedly picks his car keys and makes to the car. Alice soon follows him. Mercy goes back to her house)
Evaluation
This fictional role-play employs several instances of effective communication skills. First, the context or situation of the play has been duly identified and roles appropriately assigned. By accompanying every character’s conversation with emotional validation, the ”I” statement, and active listening is essential for any good role-play conversation. The components help the viewer and reader feel and explore the intensity of every character’s emotions and feelings as they tackle the problem of sexually transmitted infection. The play begins with much emotionality, fears, and worries. Fortunately, such a tense atmosphere soon ends as all the characters agree that STI testing and treatment is necessary. The addition of details concerning the infections while acting out the different scenarios also makes the conversation seem real. The method helps learners develop skills and competencies critical in engaging in complicated and nuanced conversations (Jackson & Back, 2011). The role-play also serves to promote self-awareness and the deepening of skills amongst the characters and readers.
References
Healthline Editorial Team. (2018, September 16). STD Testing: Who Should Be Tested and What’s Involved. Retrieved June 4, 2020, from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/getting-tested
Jackson, V. A., & Back, A. L. (2011, June). Teaching Communication Skills Using Role-Play: An Experience-Based Guide for Educators. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 14(6), 775–780.
Mathew, J., & Sapra, A. (February 21, 2020). Herpes Simplex Type 2. In StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, October 29). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Retrieved June 4, 2020, from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246