Emotional arousal in two drama therapy core processes: Dramatic embodiment and dramatic projection

This study explores emotional arousal in relation to dramatic projection (DP) and dramatic embodiment (DE). Video segments of drama therapy processes that included DP and DE were rated using the Client Emotional Arousal Scale – III (CEAS). Participant emotional arousal (EMO) was significantly higher for video segments with DP than for video segments without DP. Participant EMO was also significantly higher for video segments of DE than for video segments without DE. These results suggest that both DP and DE can facilitate client emotional arousal, bringing about sustained expression and potentially leading to the processing of emotion, which in turn can be therapeutic. Future research should continue to explore relationships between drama therapy core processes and other psychotherapy process variables involved in client change.