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Psychotherapy with the psychodrama approach: Pilot study of the perceived effectiveness of psychodrama and the role reversal technique

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Psychodrama has a long history, takes multiple forms of enactment, and includes numerous techniques, with role reversal considered a foundational component. Both psychodramatic therapy and the role reversal technique can be applied in various contexts to explore the psyche, facilitate conflict resolution, foster self-integration, and enhance emotional regulation and personal growth. This study aimed to explore the perceived effectiveness of psychotherapy using the psychodrama approach, with a particular focus on the perceived effectiveness of the role reversal technique. The study used the online application of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1983) and the "EPP - Assessment of Perceived Effectiveness of Psychodramatic Psychotherapy" questionnaire, specifically created for this purpose. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with a sample of 118 participants over 18 years old who had experienced or were currently undergoing sessions with the Psychodrama approach. The "Assessment of Perceived Effectiveness of Psychodramatic Psychotherapy" questionnaire is a self-report tool administered once, consisting of three parts: a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the "Scale of Assessment of Perceived Effectiveness of Psychodrama," and the "Scale of Assessment of Perceived Effectiveness of the Role reversal Technique in Psychodrama." The results suggest that psychodramatic therapy and the role reversal technique are perceived as effective by clients who have undergone Psychodrama sessions, and that the EPP instrument is suitable, providing relevant and reliable information.

Source: The Arts in Psychotherapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2025.102384

Authors: Marisalva Fávero, Rita Sousa, M. Dolores Lanzarote-Fernández, Joana Carreiro, Luciana Budal-Oliveira, Valéria Sousa-Gomes