Comparison of interpersonally oriented verbal and action-oriented psychodrama groups by graduate student participant/ observers

Abstract

Twenty-six graduate student members of both interpersonally oriented verbal and action oriented psychodrama groups evaluated their experience in both styles of group therapy on the Semantic Differential and on Yalom's Therapeutic Factors. The results indicated that the psychodrama group was rated on the Semantic Differential as of higher value. as more potent, and as more active than the verbal group. The psychodrama group was also rated higher overall on Yalom's Therapeutic Factors, and separately on three of the eleven therapeutic factors (Altruism. Catharsis, and Existential Factors). While this study took place in an academic setting, the results support the proposition that psychodrama groups are perceived to be as effective as, or more effective than, interpersonally oriented verbal groups.