TRENDS IN THE RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PSYCHODRAMA: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT
Keywords:
PSYCHODRAMAAbstract
An examination of the literature on psychodrama shows that the issue of the effectiveness and therapeutic validity of this method is still in dispute. Proponents of psychodrama claim that the use of this method with a broad spectrum of psychological disorders clearly demonstrates its effectiveness. The critics, on the other hand, offer different assessments which vary from cautious to skeptical evaluations. An example of such evaluations may be found in Ohlsen (1970) who discussed the advantage of psychodrama and role playing in conducting group counseling. One of his conclusions is that "Role playing can by used for specific purposes to increase the effectiveness of group counseling, but it should not be the sole treatment method for groups." (Ohlsen, 1970, p. 161) Another example
may be found in Slawson (1965) who commented on the effectiveness of psychodrama in treating hospitalized patients and remarked that "The zeal and perseverance of many practitioners not only imply bias, but precludes even a pretense of objectivity." (p.531)
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