"Waiting on the words": procedures and outcomes of a drama class for individuals with aphasia

Semin Speech Lang. 2011 Aug;32(3):229-42. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1286177. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

Abstract

Drama therapy offers an authentic medium through which people with aphasia can interact and share their experiences. We describe the rationale and procedures of a drama class, informed by the principles and practices of drama therapy, in which individuals with chronic aphasia conceptualized, wrote, and produced a play addressing their experiences of having, living with, and coping with the effects of aphasia. Sessions were cofacilitated by a speech-language pathologist and a drama therapist. We describe the drama activities and techniques in each of four distinct stages of a drama therapy process through which the group transitioned. We also summarize patient-reported outcomes of a representational group of seven participants. Subscales of the Burden of Stroke Scale and the Communication Confidence Rating Scale for Aphasia were administered before and after participation in the 18-week class. Means, standard deviations, and effect sizes were computed. Results indicated perceived improvements in both communication and mood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aphasia, Broca / psychology
  • Aphasia, Broca / rehabilitation*
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cost of Illness
  • Emotions
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Independent Living / psychology
  • Infant
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Middle Aged
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Psychodrama / methods*
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Verbal Behavior