Therapeutic Achievements of a Program Based on Drama Therapy, the Theater of the Oppressed, and Psychodrama With Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This case study aims to determine the efficacy of a program based on drama therapy, theater of the oppressed, and psychodrama to reduce psychological malaise (post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, anxiety) and sexist stereotypes, and improve self-esteem, quality of life, life purpose, and communication skills in women victims of intimate partner violence. A pretest and a posttest were administered to a single group using psychometric instruments; in addition, an evaluation of the process was done using participatory observation. Findings show a statistically significant reduction of depression and increase in life purpose. Qualitative analyses suggest development of personal and social competencies and the elaboration of trauma.

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

“…This is consistent with the finding of Yu et al [ 74 ], who discovered that antidepressants combined with psychodrama were more effective at enhancing the coping style of patients with childhood traumatic depression than combined with a general health education intervention, thus providing a new clinical intervention option. In addition, Miguel and Pino-Juste [ 63 ] demonstrated that the psychodrama method (warming-up, action, and sharing) had a positive effect on domestic violence victims. Other two included studies added to the evidence that psychodrama is beneficial for reducing PTSD in inpatient substance abuse treatment patients [ 55 , 56 ].…”

“…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 ].…”

“… Risk of bias summary for each included study [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ]. …”

A Pilot Remote Drama Therapy Program Using the Co-active Therapeutic Theater Model in People with Serious Mental Illness

“…The connections fostered between the participants with SMI supported a sense of solidarity and drive to create a themed story of hope through a safe medium of expression. A recent study investigating the therapeutic effects of drama therapy for women who were victims of intimate partner violence also demonstrated the healing nature of intentional performance and forming bonds through verbal and nonverbal communication (Mondolfi Miguel & Pino-Juste, 2021 ). Therapeutic theater therefore provides a platform for individuals to work together and enact stories with significant personal meaning.…”

Using social media‐based drama therapy and family counselling to treat symptoms of postpartum depression among women

“…Mondolfi Miguel and Pino‐Juste (2020) conducted a study wherein they evaluated the impact of drama therapy and theatre therapy for treating post‐traumatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression in women who have been victims of partner abuse. The researchers applied a pre‐test and post‐test design to achieve their goals.…”