A strong evidence base is critical for deepening our understanding of how drama therapy works, how practice might be improved and how to best support the growth of the profession. Building on a previous investigation, the authors reviewed available peer-reviewed, English language, empirical
drama therapy research from 1945–2018 to answer the question: what are the prominent themes in drama therapy effectiveness research? Within an effectiveness context, the following themes emerged from this analysis: emotional and behavioural symptoms, social skills and social interactions,
self-confidence and self-esteem, sense of self and identity, self-expression, well-being, emotional regulation, empathy, academic performance, language and linguistic performance, stigma, bodily awareness, empowerment and spontaneity. Emergent trends in the literature are discussed and a summation
of findings is presented. In reference to the findings, the authors advance a rationale for increasing drama therapy quantitative research with validated and reliable measures.
This study explores emotional arousal in relation to dramatic projection (DP) and dramatic embodiment (DE). Video segments of drama therapy processes that included DP and DE were rated using the Client Emotional Arousal Scale – III (CEAS). Participant emotional arousal (EMO) was
significantly higher for video segments with DP than for video segments without DP. Participant EMO was also significantly higher for video segments of DE than for video segments without DE. These results suggest that both DP and DE can facilitate client emotional arousal, bringing about sustained
expression and potentially leading to the processing of emotion, which in turn can be therapeutic. Future research should continue to explore relationships between drama therapy core processes and other psychotherapy process variables involved in client change.
Self-determination theorists (SDT) argue that the satisfaction of the need for relatedness is essential for growth and well-being. However, the current research has yet to account for the unique ways in which adolescent males engage in behaviors to fulfill their need for relatedness within their peer groups. This qualitative study investigates relatedness in six 16-to 17-year-old adolescent males. Independent observations of videotape data and a collaborative analysis revealed 13 main indicators of moment-to-moment relatedness. These indicators include expressing belonging, referring to shared experiences, and helping others out. The indicators of relatedness are discussed in the context of SDT, and additional theoretical frameworks provide an integrative understanding of the construct. Implications for research on the need for relatedness across diverse settings and populations are discussed and the utility of the indicators for professionals who work with adolescent males is considered.
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