The use of Sociodrama as a Therapeutic Technique with Behavior Disordered Children

Abstract

In the mid 1940s J. L. Moreno developed a technique, psychodrama, to help individuals cope with personal and interpersonal problems. This technique was modified to encompass problems encountered by entire groups of individuals. The modified approach, which includes involved spontaneous dramatization of these problems, was called sociodrama. Although there has been a paucity of research regarding the use of sociodrama as a therapeutic technique for behavior disordered children, it appears to hold potential in this respect. The present article discusses the characteristics of children with behavior disorders, and illustrates how their needs might be met through the use of sociodrama. A basic outline of the prerequisites and production techniques is given, along with the specific benefits afforded to both children with behavior disorders and their teachers. The relative ease of implementation within a classroom setting, coupled with the potential advantages for both teachers and students point toward the inclusion of this therapy technique with behavior disordered children.