Survey of Psychodramatists' Opinions: Issues Facing the Profession for the New Millennium - Statistical Data Included

Journal of Instructional Psychology, Dec, 1999 by Peter L. Kranz, Nick L. Lund

As the new millennium approaches, it was felt that a thoughtful questioning of the psychodrama profession could be a valuable process in evaluating potential areas of change. A survey was mailed to 200 randomly selected individuals from the Directory of the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. Sixty-five respondents indicated the degree to which changes are anticipated and offered suggestions. A general consensus was that change is inevitable and that the profession would be better served if potential areas of change would be addressed in an organized and thoughtful manner. Areas of predicted change receiving the greatest responses included: populations served by the profession, use of technology, training, ethical issues, and recognition by other therapeutic modalities.

Introduction and Method

In order to ascertain the opinions of psychodramatists about issues facing their profession for the next millennium, a survey was mailed to 200 individuals selected at random from the directory of the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. The survey was designed by two psychologists and contained primarily closed-ended questions for ease of response, individuals were encouraged to provide additional qualifying or elaborating information for each area of potential change. Sixty-five responses to the survey were received. Of those responding, 25 self-identified as female and 20 as male; 61 reported being White/Caucasian/European American, 1 as African American, 1 as Hispanic/Latino/Latina, and 1 as Hispanic/ White (Biracial). Ages reported included: 3 as 30-39, 20 as 40-49, 23 as 50-59, 13 as 60-69, and 6 as 70 or over.

Of the 65 respondents, 33 indicated that they were certified at the Practitioner level and 32 were credentialed at the Trainer, Educator and Practitioner (TEP) level. In terms of practice as a psychodramatist, 6 reported 5 or less years, 19 reported 6-10 years, 23 said 11-20 years, 13 indicated 21-30 years, and 4 reported 31 or more years. When asked, "Do you identify yourself primarily as a psychodramatist?", 15 replied "yes" and 50 replied "no". Of those indicating that they did not primarily identify themselves as a psychodramatist, 14 reported their primary professional identification as psychologist, 10 as social worker, 7 as psychotherapist, 7 as counselor, 3 as marriage-family counselor, and 2 as occupational therapist.

Results

Following is a summary of responses to the survey about potential areas of change in the psychodrama profession. In some instances no response was given; so the total for each item may not be 65.

Question/Item

                                    Not
                                   At All   Some   Extensive

Do you visualize the psychodrama
  profession changing in the
  next millennium                     3      39       20

In what areas do you predict
greatest changes:

Training                              8      40       14
Certification                        11      41       11
Populations Served                    8      29       27
Ethical Issues                       11      37       15
Organizational Membership             8      41       11
Use of Technology                     9      31       21
Recognition by Other Therapeutic
  Modalities                          8      40       14
Feelings of Empowerment by
  Organization Members               12      37       12
Characteristics of the
  Psychodramatist                    11      39       13

The 65 respondents generally saw some to extensive changes for the profession of psychodrama in each area of response. Each survey asked for elaboration if the respondent chose to provide it. The authors reviewed the comments for common themes, grouped comments by themes, and did not include duplicated comments. Thus, of those responding that changes in the area of training were forecast, the following additional comment-themes were received.

* There needs to be a greater variety of training opportunities. Training needs to branch out and focus on non-clinical areas rather than just mental health; include other settings such as education, government agencies, hospitals, and business.

* Integrate psychodrama's theoretical and practical tenants within other established modalities; teach psychodrama within those modalities at colleges/universities.

* There need to be more CEU offerings relating to practical applications and job search. Internships need to be in real world settings, especially practical applications that will lead to employment.

* We need training on how to survive in a managed care environment.

* Aspects of training need to include short term and brief therapy techniques rather than just classical psychodrama. We need to be more receptive to new ideas, not just "rehash" the old. Conforming psychodrama practices to brief therapy may enable reimbursement.

* Training needs to better meet the needs of cultural diversity. We need to learn new techniques that are applicable to new populations.