EPV1441 - From Drama-Based Interventions to Public Performance: Effects on Self-Esteem and Self-Stigma in Individuals with Mental Illness.
EPV1441
From Drama-Based Interventions to Public Performance: Effects on Self-Esteem and Self-Stigma in Individuals with Mental Illness.
E. Stratou 1 2, G. N. Porfyri 1, A. Gamvroula 1,*
1Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Argolida, Argos, 2Department of Occupational Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Introduction: Self-stigma and low self-esteem are common in individuals with psychiatric disorders, adversely affecting their social functioning and recovery. Drama-based interventions have been proposed as an empowering approach to reduce stigma and improve psychosocial outcomes.
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a structured drama-based intervention on self-esteem and internalized stigma in community-dwelling individuals with psychiatric disorders.
Methods: Fifteen participants with psychiatric diagnoses engaged in 24 weekly drama-based sessions (90–120 minutes each), implemented by the department’s occupational therapist in collaboration with a volunteer drama specialist at the Psychiatric Department of the General Hospital of Argos. Self-esteem and stigma were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, respectively. Paired t-tests examined pre-post differences, and Cohen’s d quantified effect size. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The sample consisted of 15 individuals with psychiatric disorders, primarily male (53.3%) and aged between 41 and 59 years (66.7%). The most commonly reported diagnosis was schizophrenia (F20.0, 40%), with the majority being unmarried and unemployed. All participants were on medication and under regular psychiatric follow-up. A significant reduction was observed in the ISMI Stigma Resistance subscale (p = .010; d = 0.51). Although not statistically significant, additional positive trends were noted in the other ISMI subscales (Alienation, Stereotype Endorsement, Discrimination Experience, Social Withdrawal), with small effect sizes (Table 1). Self-esteem increased post-intervention on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = .087; d = 0.29, Table 2).
Table 1 – Descriptive Statistics for the ISMI Scale Before and After Intervention
ISMI Subscale |
Before (Mean ± SD) |
After (Mean ± SD) |
Mean Change (SD) |
Effect Size (Cohen’s d) |
p-value |
|
Alienation |
14.9 ± 5.1 |
13.6 ± 4.2 |
-1.3 ± 2.9 |
0.28 |
0.115 |
|
Stereotype Endorsement |
16.3 ± 4.8 |
15.5 ± 4.7 |
-0.8 ± 3.1 |
0.17 |
0.299 |
|
Discrimination Experience |
13.0 ± 3.4 |
12.3 ± 3.4 |
-0.7 ± 3.4 |
0.21 |
0.416 |
|
Social Withdrawal |
15.1 ± 4.8 |
14.5 ± 4.9 |
-0.6 ± 2.7 |
0.12 |
0.358 |
|
Stigma Resistance |
11.3 ± 3.2 |
9.9 ± 2.2 |
-1.4 ± 1.9 |
0.51 |
0.010 |
Table 2 – Descriptive Statistics for the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Before and After Intervention
RSES (Self-Esteem) |
Before (Mean ± SD) |
After (Mean ± SD) |
Mean Change (SD) |
Effect Size (Cohen’s d) |
p-value |
|
|
25.2 ± 5.0 |
26.6 ± 4.6 |
1.4 ± 2.9 |
0.29 |
0.087 |
Conclusions: These findings suggest that drama-based interventions-particularly those involving active participation and culminating in a public theatrical performance-can effectively reduce self-stigma and enhance self-esteem among mental health patients, supporting their psychosocial rehabilitation.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared