Role Reversal in Psychodrama: Enhancing Empathy and Emotional Understanding among Institutionalized Children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of role reversal in psychodrama to enhance empathy and emotional understanding of institutionalized children in Sri Lanka. The prevalence of institutionalized children in Sri Lanka is approximately 10,697, living in 367 institutions across the country. They often face emotional problems, empathy deficits, psychological and behavioral issues, and limited social skills. Psychodrama can be identified as one of the creative and promising approaches among various psychological therapies that can address these issues. Role reversal is one of the key techniques in psychodrama, where participants act out and switch roles allowing them to understand and empathize with others’ positions. However, In Sri Lanka, the application of psychodrama is underutilized due to a lack of experts, a lack of awareness about its benefits, and a lack of studies. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s non-medical mental health services. The study sample was selected purposively from a state-run institute under the Department of Probation and Childcare Service in the Southern Province. The number of 18 institutionalized children aged 12-16 years were selected, considering early and mid-adolescence as a critical period for emotional and social development. This sample consists of 10 females and 8 males. The study used qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Accordingly, four key themes were identified: Emotional Regulation, Empathy Growth, Communication and Social Moral Reasoning Development; and Self-Esteem and Identity. The findings highlighted that role reversal helps better understand and express their own emotions. The study highlights the need to integrate psychodrama into existing psychological interventions. Policymakers should support the development of such therapeutic approaches. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using role reversal in psychodrama to improve emotional understanding, empathy, and social interaction among institutionalized children.