Pre—Warm-Up in Russian Psychodrama Groups: A Cultural Approach

Authors

  • LEONID M. KROLL Author
  • EKATERINA L. MIKHAILOVA Author
  • ELENA A. SERDIOUK Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12926/dc1p9145

Keywords:

Psychodrama

Abstract

This article, based on practical psychodrama experience with “frozen” Russian groups, deals with the problem of warm-up, using “no” and “avoidance” reactions on the microdramatic level. In the broad cultural context of modern reality in what was formerly the Soviet Union, the following phenomena are especially significant: (a) prevailing “no” and“avoidance” reactions that reflect defensive and masking behavior, (b) speaker/passive audience relations that supplant an actor/involved audience, (c)a large store of unexpressed reactions that cause new stimuli to be experienced as if withina tightly pressured mass with indistinct layers and structure. The authors offer a concept of structured pre—warm-up processes designed to activate rigidly stagnated emotions and to
build on them for the further phases of classic psychodrama.

References

Blatner, A. (1988). Foundations of psychodrama. New York: Springer.

Fine, L. (1959). Non-verbal aspects of psychodrama. In Masserman, J.,& Moreno, J. L., (Eds.), Progress inpsychotherapy, Vol. 4, New York: Grune and Stratton.

Galper, J. (1970). Nonverbal communication exercises in groups. Social PKork, 25(2): 71—78.

Kro£, L., Mikhailova, E.,& Serdiouk, E. A. The topography of chaos. (In press).

Kroll, L., & Mikhailova, E. (1985). Diagnosis and management of communication difficulties with the “body mirror” technique in therapeutic and T-groups. Psychological problems in diagnostics. State University of Yaro- slavl. pp. 144—152. (In Russian.)

Moreno, Z. T. Quoted in: Goldman, E. E.,& Morrison, S. (1984). Psychodrama: Experience and process. Dubuque, Iowa: RandallZHunt.

Sacks, J. M. (1967). Psychodrama: The warm-up. Group Psychotherapy, 20, 118-120

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Published

2025-03-14

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 2 (1992): Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama, and Sociometry

Section

Articles

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