The Effect of Psychodrama on the Empathy and Social Anxiety Level in Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted semi-experimentally to examine the effect of psychodrama on the level of social anxiety and empathy. Materials and Methods: The sample of the study consisted of nine volunteer students aged 13-17. The study took place between 05 March 2002 and April 2018. Psychodrama sessions consisted of 10 sessions in total, 2 days a week. Empathic Tendency Adolescent scale and Social Anxiety scale were used as data collection tools in the study. Results: When the total scores obtained from the Social Anxiety scale were examined, a statistically significant difference was found before and after psychodrama (p=0.029). When the total scores obtained from the Empathic Tendency scale were analysed, no statistically significant difference was found. However, after psychodrama, there was an increase in the average score of the Empathic Tendency scale. Conclusion: Psychodrama is an effective method for reducing social anxiety and developing empathic skills in adolescents.