A VALIDATION STUDY OF A PSYCHODRAMA GROUP EXPERIENCE: A PRELIMINARY SURVEY

Abstract

In March, 1965, a three-day psychodrama institute was held for selected staff members at Vermont State Hospital. There were 15 individuals participating of whom were students from a college in Missouri.
The institute entailed a series of frustration and spontaneity tests, and a variety of warm-up techniques was employed. These ranged from the highly non-directive to the highly structured. A number of protagonist centered sessions derived from the warm-ups. We also made some use of sociodrama and the sociogram in the form of the action sociogram, as well as having a few lectures with question and answer sessions. Meals were taken together, with dyad sessions following each meal. The institute was very intensive, covering nearly 12 hours a day. To close the institute we had an extensive session during which each person had the opportunity to clarify and conceptualize his feelings about himself, other members, the director, and the institute itself.