EVALUATING A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL PSYCHODRAMA INSER VICE TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

Practitioners and clients praise psychodrama and action methods as a refreshing and worthwhile experience; the question is whether the techniques make any difference in what they propose to help.1 Psychodrama and action techniques were first conceptualized by J. L. Moreno as a way of helping people move toward spontaneity and creativity. He organized his methods around the "inter"-personal and dynamic dimension of human exchange. Through the stage he elevated behavior to prominence in therapeutic expression. As with other innovators, Moreno offered much by way of operational definitions, but failed to disseminate specific methods to measure the effects of his style. Today, psychodramatists who use action techniques are still reluctant to scientifically examine and analyze the changes they believe occur. Unfortunately, too little discontent pervades this situation, and the usefulness of the techniques is undersold.