| Abstract [eng] |
Psychological well-being is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in ensuring emotional resilience, self-realization, and overall quality of life. One of its key components is self-esteem, which influences decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and general functioning. In recent years, growing attention has been paid to non-traditional methods for enhancing mental health. One such method is drama therapy, where improvisational techniques are becoming increasingly relevant in the context of self-exploration and strengthening self-esteem. Nevertheless, the use of improvisation in therapeutic settings remains relatively unexplored in Lithuania. Research aim: to examine changes in adult self-esteem through the application of improvisational drama therapy techniques. Objectives: 1. To review theoretical aspects linking self-esteem, improvisation, and drama therapy. 2. To assess the impact of improvisational drama therapy techniques on adult self-esteem. 3. To evaluate the effect of theatrical improvisation (non-therapeutic) sessions on adult self-esteem. 4. To compare self-esteem changes between adults participating in drama therapy sessions using improvisational techniques and those attending theatrical improvisation sessions. Methodology: a quantitative research approach was employed, using a parallel group comparison method. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale before and after the 1st, 5th, and 10th sessions. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The study involved 37 adults, divided into three groups: two groups attended drama therapy sessions with improvisational techniques, and one group participated in theatrical improvisation (non-therapeutic) sessions. Results. The results of the study show that the change in self-esteem was statistically significant in both the drama therapy and improvisation groups, and the change was significantly greater in the drama therapy group. Both groups showed a significant overall increase in self-esteem, with self-esteem recorded in the drama therapy group: t = –5.24, p < 0.001, d = 1.23, and in the improvisation group: t = –3.35, p = 0.0035, d = 0.77. Although demographic factors did not have a statistically significant effect, it was observed that younger participants and those with more therapeutic experience more often showed more consistent growth in self-esteem. There was also a tendency for women's self-esteem changes to be more consistent. Research findings: Improvisational drama therapy techniques can serve as an effective tool for enhancing adult self-esteem. The study highlights the potential and relevance of these methods in contemporary therapeutic practice. The findings may contribute to the development of drama therapy applications in Lithuania and encourage further quantitative research in the field of improvisation. Keywords: self-esteem, drama therapy, improvisation, psychological well-being, adults.  . |
