Abstract

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of drama therapy in treating young adults who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury. Twenty individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 who meet the criteria outlined in the proposed diagnosis for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) disorder as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are selected to participate in the study. The participants partake in a ten session long drama therapy program based on the Integrative Five Phase Model of Drama Therapy, with each of the five phases being designated two sessions each. Surveys are completed before and after the drama therapy program to assess the degree of the participants’ self-injurious urges and behaviors. The hypothesis is that the participants will experience a decrease in both self-injurious urges and behaviors after completing the drama therapy program. These findings could impact the future of treatment programs for individuals who engage in NSSI.

Drama Therapy

Theatre has been a vital form of self expression and entertainment in various cultures dating back to some of the earliest civilizations. The plays of ancient Greece, which were often used as a way to celebrate and share stories about their gods and mythology, date back to 472 BC (McLeish, 2003). Utilizing the dramatic arts as part of therapy has been shown to have encouraging results (Orkibi & Feniger-Schaal, 2019). Therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of issues, from psychiatric conditions such as bulimia and anxiety disorders to issues such as general stress (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012). While theatre had long been seen as a means of expression, it was not until recently that it began to be considered as a therapeutic option for individuals struggling with mental illness. The present study will focus on drama therapy as a possible treatment for young adults who struggle with self-injury. Based on previous studies, it is predicted that drama therapy will be an effective treatment for individuals who self-injure.

Literature Review

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) as a condition for further study indicating that, with further research, it may be formally included in a future DSM (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The proposed criteria indicate an individual could be diagnosed with NSSI if they have engaged in self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or hitting, for five or more days in the last year, without suicidal intentions behind the actions (APA, 2013). NSSI most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, as well as members of the LGBT community and people who suffer from other psychiatric conditions (Klonsky, Victor, & Saffer, 2014). Rates of self-injury appear to be similar across socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds (Klonsky, 2011). Although many people associate self injury with young women, it has been suggested that self injur