The effectiveness of psychodramatic techniques: A meta-analysis.

Questions concerning the scientific basis of the clinical application of psychodramatic techniques have been raised primarily because of the infrequency of research publications that validate the clinical observations. A meta-analysis conducted on the basis of 25 experimentally designed studies showed an overall effect size that points to a large size improvement effect similar to or better than that commonly reported for group psychotherapy in general. The techniques of role reversal and doubling emerged as the most effective interventions. Of the 4 techniques investigated, 3 were significantly different from each other. There was no difference between the techniques' effectiveness when used with clinical versus student populations or between their use in single versus multiple sessions. The meaning of the findings is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)