Introduction to Psychodrama

Code:

LPSI221

Acronym:

IP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Psychology

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Psychology
Course/CS Responsible:	First degree in Psychology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LPSIC	21	Official Curricular Structure	2	-	3	27	81

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course unit aims to introduce the theory and technique of psychodrama, addressing the basic concepts of this model and its application in different contexts:

-Understand the theoretical and historical foundations of psychodrama

-To promote knowledge and reflection on the specificities of leading psychodrama/sociodrama groups.

-Critically reflect on the applications of psychodrama in clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

Learning outcomes and competences

By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

• Recognize and explain the main concepts, techniques, and stages of psychodramatic practice.

• Relate the principles of psychodrama to its applicability in different contexts (clinical, educational, and organizational).

• Critically and reflectively evaluate the benefits and limitations of psychodrama as an intervention model, drawing on their experience as active members of a group.

Working method

Presencial

Program

History and evolution of psychodrama

Theoretical foundations of Morenean psychodrama

The instruments of psychodrama

Structure of a psychodramatic session

Basic techniques: role reversal, double, mirror, soliloquy

Psychodrama and group phenomena: Sociodrama

Applications in different contexts: clinical, educational, organizational

Mandatory literature

Baim, C., Burmeister, J., & Maciel, M. ; Psychodrama: Advances in theory and practice, Routledge, 2013. ISBN: 978-0415419147
Doğmuş, Y. U., & Canpolat, M.; Clients’ experiences during three phases of a time-limited psychodrama group: A case study, Group Analysis, 2024
M. Barkham, W. Lutz & L. G. Castonguay ; handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change, Wiley, 2021
Giacomucci, S., Marquit, J., Saccarelli, R., & Briggs, H. ; Psychodrama group psychotherapy as an effective treatment for PTSD and depression in inpatient substance use treatment: a mixed methods study, Social Work With Groups, 2023
Giacomucci, S. ; Social work, sociometry, and psychodrama: Experiential approaches for group therapists, community leaders, and social workers , Springer Nature, 2021
Kipper, D. A., & Ritchie, T.; The effectiveness of psychodramatic techniques: A meta-analysis. , Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 2003
Lim, M., Carollo, A., Chen, S. H. A., & Esposito, G.; Surveying 80 Years of Psychodrama Research: A Scientometric Review. , Frontiers in psychiatry,, 2021
Maya, J., Pérez-Berbel, M., Giraldo-Arroyave, L., & Hurtado, I.; Psychodrama: implementation, study design and effectiveness: a systematic review., BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2025
Orkibi, H., Keisari, S., Sajnani, N. L., & de Witte, M. ; Effectiveness of drama-based therapies on mental health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies. , Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. , 2023
Pio-Abreu, J. ; O modelo do psicodrama moreniano, Climepsi Editores., 2006. ISBN: 9789727962235
Pires, N., Ribeiro, I. & Vieira, F.M. ; Adapting psychodrama to the online format., 2025

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course adopts an active methodology, combining theoretical lectures with practical and experiential activities. Simulations, role-playing, and group dynamics will facilitate experiential learning. The pedagogical model promotes critical reflection, collaborative work, and the development of practical skills.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	30,00
Trabalho escrito	70,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	21,00
Frequência das aulas	30,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

Class attendance is mandatory. A minimum attendance of 75% of the scheduled classes is required.

Calculation formula of final grade

Assessment is continuous, with no final exam, and is based on the following components (and respective weighting in the final grade):

1. Active participation in class (30%);

2. A written assignment consisting of a critical reflection on the process and outcomes of a psychodrama/sociodrama session, based on the theoretical foundations learned (70%).

(30% + 70% = 100%)

The assessment of class participation is based on the following criteria:

• Spontaneous participation in moments of open discussion

• Development of communication skills

• Demonstration of reflective capacity during class sessions

The grades for both components, as well as the final grade, are expressed on a scale from 0 to 20 points.

Classification improvement

It is only possible to improve the grade of the written assignment, which accounts for 70% of the final grade.
It is not possible to improve the practical component related to class participation (30% of the final grade).

Grade improvement may take place only once, up to the resit period of the academic year following the one in which the student was originally approved.

The grades for both components, as well as the final grade, are expressed on a scale from 0 to 20 points.

Observations

Students must have a minimum level of proficiency in the Portuguese language in order to follow the classes, grasp the content, and reflect on it in Portuguese.