Positive psychology in individual wellness: a thematic illustration of drama as a therapeutic framework in identity transformation

Abstract

Purpose

The language of participative theatre can be considered immersive in the treatment of its dialectics where participants engage fully with their dichotomies and value systems through physical and psychological exploratory processes as they commit themselves to transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of drama as an intervention for challenging recurring mental models of oppressive narratives is used extensively in experiential psychotherapy and as a socio-psychological integrative tool. This experiential methodology allows for an organic development and expression of themes and motifs by encouraging a participant to develop a deeper awareness of how he/she interprets their identity and that of the community in which they function.

Findings

This paper aims to review the implications of applying drama-based interventions as positive psychotherapeutic devices to facilitate self-reflection and active-constructive responding in enabling a rendering of positive patterns of thought and purposeful movement towards emotional and physical well-being.

Practical implications

Research on the principles of positive psychology suggests that positive emotions lead to therapeutic change. Nurturing positive emotions which are immanent in spirituality, creativity and optimistic perseverance through autonomy and self-regulation enable individual potential to come to meaningful fruition.

Originality/value

The paper conceptualizes psychodrama as a framing technique in enabling reflexive action in identity transformation and well-being.

Citation

D’Souza, A. and Rani, J. (2025), "Positive psychology in individual wellness: a thematic illustration of drama as a therapeutic framework in identity transformation", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 349-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-01-2024-4236