Keywords
Comprehensive health care
Adolescent
Art therapy
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: in the contemporary approach to mental health and situations of violence involving children and adolescents, hospitalization is reserved for contexts of extreme vulnerability, where a medicalized centered approach is required. This research seeks to generate knowledge regarding the incorporation of drama workshops as a complementary strategy, using an interdisciplinary and rights-based approach.
Objectives: to describe the benefits of a drama intervention on the emotional well-being and adaptive functioning of adolescents between 10 and 14 years of age hospitalized due to violence or mental health issues.
Methodology: this study used a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). Drama workshops were implemented by an interdisciplinary team. Benefits were evaluated through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and questions based on the BarOn Emotional Intelligence Inventory. Epidemiological data were collected. The analysis included methodological triangulation and coding of substantive categories.
Results: a total of 45 theater workshops were carried out. Participants included 122 female and 41 male adolescents; 54 were admitted due to violence and 109 for mental health reasons. One hundred sixteen participants were receiving psychotropic medications. Observation and interviews showed improvements in expression, mood, and confidence, highlighting theater as a space for emotional transformation. The BarOn scales showed certain changes in mood and stress management before and after the theater workshop.
Discussion: the intervention improved emotional expression, well-being, and protective bonds, while promoting leadership, appropriation of space, and humanization.
Conclusions: drama is an effective tool in the comprehensive care of hospitalized adolescents, it creates emotional well-being and improves adaptive behaviours.
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