This case study aims to determine the efficacy of a program based on drama therapy, theater of the oppressed, and psychodrama to reduce psychological malaise (post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, anxiety) and sexist stereotypes, and improve self-esteem, quality of life, life purpose, and communication skills in women victims of intimate partner violence. A pretest and a posttest were administered to a single group using psychometric instruments; in addition, an evaluation of the process was done using participatory observation. Findings show a statistically significant reduction of depression and increase in life purpose. Qualitative analyses suggest development of personal and social competencies and the elaboration of trauma.

Empirical research about using drama therapy (DT) for people who have Parkinson’s disease (PD) is absent in the literature despite growing, worldwide prevalence of the disease. This article presents an intrinsic case study involving a concurrent mixed-method design within a social constructivist framework that explores the benefits of a short DT program designed for a small group of people who have PD in Vigo, Spain. Two Spanish drama therapists and eight research participants co-designed and co-created material for analysis during five DT workshops that took place once every two weeks over ten weeks. In addition to this, psychometric instruments to assess self-esteem, quality of life (QoL), depression, and purpose in life were administered prior to and after the five-week intervention. Findings are supported by qualitative analysis and are not statistically significant, but suggest an amelioration of depressive symptoms as well as other benefits.

In Spain, a country of great cultural diversity, there is an increasing demand for psychosocial care for victims of gender-based violence. The objective is to describe the psychosocial profile of these women residing in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. In a sample (n = 40) of victims of intimate partner violence, it was found a high incidence of PTSD, depression, and low self-esteem associated with greater severity of PTSD and depression. A prolonged relationship increases the types of violence experienced, which is associated with particular psychosocial conditions that are analyzed quanti-qualitatively in order to recommend interventions consistent with the problems detected.

The minority stress theory (MST) addresses that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, on top of the stress resulting from general life stressors, experience additional stress as consequence of t...