The effect of psychodrama sessions on psychotic symptoms, depression, quality of life, and sociometric measures in patients with chronic schizophrenia

Surveying 80 Years of Psychodrama Research: A Scientometric Review

“…The citing papers belonging to this cluster are represented in trauma (81,84), in addition to various physical and mental health conditions (77,80,93). Furthermore, there is also an increasing focus on preventive work (e.g., (78,79,85)), revealing the broader movement of psychological interventions toward a more positivist and humanistic approach. There has also been a trend of integrating elements of psychodrama, or even more loosely, role-playing and theater elements, with other forms of psychotherapy.…”

“…The label of this cluster originated from Biancalani et al ( 76 )'s work on adapting psychodrama to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is also more broadly indicative of research advances in psychodrama in recent years, such as application to themes such as sexuality and gender ( 82 , 94 ), abuse and trauma ( 81 , 84 ), in addition to various physical and mental health conditions ( 77 , 80 , 93 ). Furthermore, there is also an increasing focus on preventive work (e.g., ( 78 , 79 , 85 )), revealing the broader movement of psychological interventions toward a more positivist and humanistic approach. There has also been a trend of integrating elements of psychodrama, or even more loosely, role-playing and theater elements, with other forms of psychotherapy.…”

Effectiveness of Drama-Based Intervention in Improving Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period

“…Besides, Simsek et al [ 68 ] showed that quality of life of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy can be enhanced by increasing hope and self-confidence through warm-up, action, and sharing stages in psychodrama. Further research added to the findings that drama intervention fostered more favourable views towards the illness and social environment by gaining empathy and allowing participants to perceive themselves in diverse roles [ 63 , 67 ].…”

“…In a meta-analysis, the statistical significance of seven investigations was determined. For instance, the included study by Sevi et al [ 67 ] indicated that psychodrama sessions (e.g., dramatic games) helped alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia by boosting sharing, group interaction, and a sense of belonging. Besides, the finding of Keisari et al [ 58 ] showed that playback theatre, which integrates dramatic expression with the exploration of life stories in a group creative process, had a positive psychological effect in community-dwelling older adults with depressive psychological distress.…”

“…Notably, the COVID-19 social distancing decreased social contact engagement and may be risk factors for isolation, anxiety, and depression [ 79 ]. A number of included studies have provided solutions that allowed social connectedness through drama activities and generated the stimulating senses of connection and empathy in others [ 52 , 58 , 67 ], thereby enabling individuals to address issues of shared concern and increased their ability to embrace challenge in the pandemic and post-pandemic period. During quarantine, Cheung et al [ 52 ] provided people with severe mental illness with online drama intervention via Zoom, which was considered a feasible strategy in the setting of the epidemic.…”