Psychodrama with the Institutionalized Elderly: A Method for Role Re-engagement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12926/xb56dx74Keywords:
PsychodramaAbstract
Chronic institutionalization of elderly patients in hospitals, psychiatric centers and nursing care facilities is a major problem facing
health service providers. The author presents a model for understanding this problem in terms of role reduction and role loss. A
model based on psychodrama theory and practice is offered which provides a method for role re-engagement and reversal of institutionalized behavior patterns. A case study illustrating the application of this theory is presented.
References
Altman, K. Psychodrama with blind psychiatric patients. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 1981, 75(4), 155-156.
Buchanan, D.R. Psychodrama: A humanistic approach to psychiatric treatment for the elderly. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 1981, 333), 220-223.
Havighurst, R.J. Successful aging. In C.B. Vedder (Ed.), Gerontology, a book of readings. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas, 1971.
Hudson, R.B. The "graying" of the federal budget and its consequences for old age policy. Gerontologist, 1978, 17, 428-440.
Moreno, J.L. Psychodrama (Vol 1). Beacon, New York: Beacon House, 1946.
Moreno, J.L. Who shall survive? Beacon, New York: Beacon House, 1953.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
- NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation.
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.