This review is to discuss the therapeutic values of psychodrama. Based on the Kellerman's theoretical classification, we review the effects of psychodrama in the emotional(catharsis), cognitive(action-insight), interpersonal(tele),
behavioral(acting
out), imaginary(as-if), and non-specific(magic) aspects.
The therapeutic value of catharsis and emotional abreaction is the re-living of orginal traumatic events and the release of constricted emotion. Action-insigh produces a kind intensive re-collection which leads to more profound learning
experiences
than
does more cognitive awareness, and makes it easier to transform the insights into actual behavior. Interpersonal aspects of psychodrama facilitates the development of authentic tele relation through therapeutic assistants. The concept of acting
out
emphasizes the positive all outputs of participants. In psychodrama, participants use the world of make-believe and imagination in the same manner as the child uses play. Furthermore, protagonists resolve the conflicts, or unfinished business, in
a
ymbolic form, using ritual and ceremony. These are 'magic' or 'non-specific' aspects of healing in psychodrama.
These categories represent a comprehensive summary of major therapeutic factors. Taken together, these factors suggest a model for understanding the complex therapeutic process of psychodrama. For further development of psychodrama, we need to
refine
the theoretical framework.
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