Development and evaluation of a creative drama-based support program for adolescents with asthma

Chronic diseases often bring along psychosocial problems. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease during adolescence, when psychosocial problems are known to occur frequently, creates a multiplier effect. Drama, whose therapeutic effect on psychosocial health has been known for many years, may benefit adolescents with asthma. However, there is no study on this subject in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a creative drama-based support program for adolescents with asthma. It was tested on twenty adolescents with asthma aged 13–17 years, recruited from a child allergy outpatient clinic using a quasi-experimental, one-group, pre-test–post-test design. In the evaluation of psychosocial problems in adolescents, Achenbach’s Youth Self-Report Scale (YSR/11–18), which is widely used in many countries and has been shown to be valid and reliable, was utilized. YSR/11–18 was administered before and one month after participation in the program. After completion of the program, YSR/11–18 scores were significantly improved. Creative drama is a potentially useful tool to help adolescents with asthma cope with their disease more effectively.