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

Abstract

The impact of drama therapy on mental health recovery remains poorly understood. We examined the effects of a pilot remote drama therapy program for community members living with serious mental illness. The entire intervention was delivered remotely. Participants with serious mental illness completed a 12-week drama therapy program which included an online performance open to the public. Four quantitative scales were administered pre- and post-program. A focus group was conducted 1 week after the performance. Six participants completed the program and crafted a public performance themed around hope. No significant differences were identified in the quantitative measures. Five themes were identified in the post-performance focus group. Drama therapy presents an opportunity for individuals with serious mental illness to process and share their journeys with their diagnoses and re-create a healthy sense of self with increased community awareness.

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

“…Risks of bias were judged based on the Cochrane guidance. Regarding random sequence generation, four studies were deemed high-risk due to the absence of randomization procedures [ 50 , 52 , 65 , 70 ]. In terms of allocation concealment, three studies were judged high-risk reported no use of concealment in the allocation procedure [ 65 , 66 , 70 ].…”

“…In terms of allocation concealment, three studies were judged high-risk reported no use of concealment in the allocation procedure [ 65 , 66 , 70 ]. Two studies [ 52 , 66 ] were evaluated as high risk regarding participants and personnel blinding. Meanwhile, the lack of blinding in outcome assessment led to a high risk classification for one study [ 50 ].…”

“…Regarding selective reporting, seventeen studies were rated as low risk, and the remaining eight studies were judged to be unclear. Concerning other biases, three studies did not identify the conflict of interest [ 56 , 58 , 72 ], one reported the author received research honoraria [ 52 ], and one indicated the authors were on the board of an entity supporting the research [ 69 ]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 display specific features.…”

“…Several studies have added to the evidence that drama improves mental health and reduces depressive symptoms through self-reflection and personal development. The drama programme provided therapeutic benefit and acted as a vehicle for the participants’ positive transformation [ 50 , 52 , 60 ].…”

“…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.…”