A descriptive analysis of a pilot drama project in a forensic psychiatric setting.

Hilda HO, Karen RICHARD.

Journal of Applied Arts and Health 1:3, pp. 267-280, doi: 10.1386/jaah.1.3.267_1

This article describes an innovative drama project that took place in a forensic psychiatric unit in Perth, Scotland. The project aimed to engage mentally disordered patients in a meaningful and creative activity. We sought to measure any individual changes in behaviour, self-confidence and self-awareness using questionnaires given to the participating patients and nursing staff. Patients attended weekly drama sessions and devised a performance using their own ideas and improvisations. Six patients participated in the full drama project. They reported that they had enjoyed the project, and that the performance was well received by the audience. Patient and nursing feedback reported improvements in behaviour, interaction with others, self-confidence, self-awareness of feelings and ability to control negative feelings. Most patients hoped to become involved in another similar project. Participation in a creative activity such as drama in this group of participants has found a promising initial outcome that merits further work.

Keywords: mentally disordered offenders, forensic psychiatry, mental health, creative activity, drama theatre.

Correspondence: Hilda Ho, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Murray Royal Hospital, Muirhall Road, Pert. h, PH2 7BH, UK. email: hilda.ho@nhs.net