A Critical Theoretical Review of Moreno’s Psychodrama and Its Dimensions in Educational Practice

The use of new knowledge, as expressed in psychodrama, helps to understand individuality through the study of the group, while at the same time allowing and encouraging improvement and change in the individual for own and others’ benefit. Psychodrama is an alternative method of psychotherapy developed by the Romanian psychiatrist Jacob Moreno (1889–1974). Moreno offered one of the most influential theories (Role Theory) in psychology and psychiatry, explaining the impact of social roles on an individual’s behavior. This paper determines the effect of psychodrama as an experiential method that enhances emotional awareness and communication skills of adolescents. It discusses criticisms regarding the scientific validity and practical suitability of psychodramatic techniques in educational settings, such as role-playing, role reversal, doubling, and other experiential methods that promote active learning, empathy, and problem-solving, and the methods through which key techniques involve sharing and reflection, highlighting the fundamental principles of role-based learning. Although psychodrama throughout the ages has been criticized for its reliance on subjective experience and challenges of systematic evaluation, research is required to emphasize the effectiveness of psychodramatic methodologies and techniques in diverse educational contexts, ensuring integration into inclusiveness and contemporary teaching and learning environments.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Journal of Psychodrama Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy
Published
2026-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12926/rebp9s58
Primary Topic
Psychology, Coaching, and Therapy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Critical Theoretical Review of Moreno’s Psychodrama and Its Dimensions in Educational Practice

Ελένη Μπασδάρα, Maria Bella, Foteini Gerovasileiou
The Journal of Psychodrama Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy
Psychology, Coaching, and Therapy
article

A Critical Theoretical Review of Moreno’s Psychodrama and Its Dimensions in Educational Practice

Ελένη Μπασδάρα, Maria Bella, Foteini Gerovasileiou
article en

Abstract

The use of new knowledge, as expressed in psychodrama, helps to understand individuality through the study of the group, while at the same time allowing and encouraging improvement and change in the individual for own and others’ benefit. Psychodrama is an alternative method of psychotherapy developed by the Romanian psychiatrist Jacob Moreno (1889–1974). Moreno offered one of the most influential theories (Role Theory) in psychology and psychiatry, explaining the impact of social roles on an individual’s behavior. This paper determines the effect of psychodrama as an experiential method that enhances emotional awareness and communication skills of adolescents. It discusses criticisms regarding the scientific validity and practical suitability of psychodramatic techniques in educational settings, such as role-playing, role reversal, doubling, and other experiential methods that promote active learning, empathy, and problem-solving, and the methods through which key techniques involve sharing and reflection, highlighting the fundamental principles of role-based learning. Although psychodrama throughout the ages has been criticized for its reliance on subjective experience and challenges of systematic evaluation, research is required to emphasize the effectiveness of psychodramatic methodologies and techniques in diverse educational contexts, ensuring integration into inclusiveness and contemporary teaching and learning environments.

The Journal of Psychodrama Sociometry and Group PsychotherapyVol. 72(1)
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Psychology, Coaching, and Therapy
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