Psychodrama and sociodrama participants in general, and protagonists in particular, often report that during a session their conscious experience is altered. Many are in fact drawn to experiential methods by their desire for this experience of heightened awareness. Psychodrama will be seen as altering most of the 14 dimensions of changed subjective experience that characterise altered states of consciousness (ASC’s). Psychodramatists need to be aware of both the dangers and benefits of experiencing altered states. As in hypnosis, the director needs to be especially careful not to elicit false memories or make strong suggestions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dimensions of Altered Consciousness
1. Attention
2. Perception
3. Imagery and Fantasy
4. Inner Speech
5. Memory
6. Higher-Level Thought Processes
7. Meaning or Significance of Experiences
8. Time Experience
9. Emotional Feeling and Expression
10. Level of Arousal
11. Self-control
12. Suggestibility
13. Body Image
14. Sense of Personal Identity
Conclusions
Implications: Precautions
Implications: Benefits
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This article investigates the intersection between psychodrama, sociodrama, and the psychology of consciousness. It aims to demonstrate that participants in these experiential methods frequently undergo Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) during sessions, exploring both the therapeutic potential and the ethical risks associated with these shifts in awareness.
- The occurrence of Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) in psychodrama.
- Fourteen dimensions of subjective experience and their alteration during dramatic enactment.
- The relationship between role-playing, emotional arousal, and memory recall.
- Ethical considerations regarding suggestibility and the potential for false memories.
- The benefits of structured "surplus reality" for personal healing and growth.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Attention
Psychodrama involves highly focused attention to everything that happens in the moment. Even when re-enacting a past event, attention is focused on the experience in the here and now, interacting with auxiliary egos. It is characteristic of psychodrama that past events are not just remembered and analysed, but they are brought into the present. This living in the moment is of course a goal that is accomplished to varying degrees.
"To relax our attention into the present moment is extraordinarily simple, but, for most of us, it demands a lifetime of practice" Zaporah (1995, p. xx)
In both psychodrama and acting, training directors employ techniques to help the actor to be fully present and to make the experience "real", as-if it were happening right now. This is the reason for using scene setting, sound effects, impromptu costumes, lights and other theatrical devices. Attention to the elements of the scene is heightened, whereas attention to other events is diminished to the background. The actors live in a different reality and therefore it is important that they are in a safe and protected environment.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Establishes the link between experiential therapies like psychodrama and the psychology of consciousness, noting that ASCs frequently occur during practice regardless of intent.
Dimensions of Altered Consciousness: Details fourteen specific psychological dimensions (including Attention, Perception, and Memory) and explains how each is systematically altered during psychodramatic work.
Conclusions: Summarizes that the intensity of ASCs varies across participants and emphasizes the value of acting as a tool to expand consciousness.
Implications: Precautions: Discusses the ethical necessity of protecting protagonists from suggestibility, leading questions, and the potential emergence of false memories.
Implications: Benefits: Argues that psychodrama provides a safe environment to fulfill the universal human desire for altered states, potentially preventing destructive behavior.
Keywords
Altered states of consciousness, psychodrama, sociodrama, suggestibility, false memories, experiential methods, role-playing, surplus reality, catharsis, consciousness, psychology, therapeutic process, clinical practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how psychodrama and sociodrama induce Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) and analyzes the implications of these states on the therapeutic process.
Which central topics are analyzed in the document?
The primary topics include the fourteen dimensions of altered subjective experience, the mechanism of role-playing, the risks of suggestibility, and the benefits of theatrical enactments.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to create awareness among practitioners that ASCs often occur in psychodrama and to reflect on how to manage the resulting benefits and dangers.
Which scientific method is utilized in this study?
The study employs a theoretical analysis, comparing observational data from psychodrama with established classifications of consciousness from the field of psychology.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section systematically breaks down how psychodrama affects fourteen specific dimensions of human consciousness, such as perception, memory, and sense of personal identity.
How are the key terms of this study defined?
Key terms like "Altered States of Consciousness" are defined using established psychological literature, which characterizes them as temporary changes in the overall pattern of subjective experience.
Why is the concept of "surplus reality" important?
Surplus reality allows participants to enact fantasies or unresolved life events in a way that feels real, providing a unique space for healing beyond historical facts.
What specific ethical concern is raised regarding child abuse cases?
The author highlights the risk of elicitng false memories through leading questions and advocates for the use of open-ended questions to maintain accuracy and ethical integrity.
How does the author propose managing "de-roling"?
The author suggests specific techniques, such as physical movement or shaking, to help participants detach from a character and return to their own identity after an intense session.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Eberhard Scheiffele (Author), 2003, Alterations of Consciousness during Psychodrama and Sociodrama, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/86443
