Digital Commons Network^™

Taking Off The Mask; Identity Development With Queer Emerging Adults, Lital Dotan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines the potential of superhero-based drama therapy as a tool to foster feelings of agency, community building, and identity formation in queer emerging adults. Identity formation in this population is disrupted by internalized sexual stigma and isolation due to minority stressors specific to queer emerging adults. Identity formation is a crucial aspect of the developmental stage of emerging adulthood and is essential to mental wellness. By reviewing the history of queer readings of superhero media, the effective use of superhero-based therapeutic interventions, and the relevance of drama therapy processes in these interventions, it is concluded that drama …

Navigating Cultural Transitions: A Drama Therapy Exploration Of Culture Shock Among International Students From South Asia And East Asia, Rithika Gopalakrishnan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

South Asia and East Asia drive the recent surge in US global student enrollment, exceeding one million, collectively representing 60.141% of international students, with China and India contributing 53% alone. These figures underscore the need for focused research into the experiences of South Asian and East Asian international students in the United States, an area currently lacking comprehensive study. This thesis examines culture shock among South Asian and East Asian students at a university in the Northeast, exploring relevant theories, role of media portrayals, and drama therapy interventions. It investigates the effects of culture shock, such as strain, loss, rejection, …

History Matters Exploring Intergenerational Trauma And Human Connection - A Community Engagement Project, Latoya Robinson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Drama Therapy and trauma centered psychoeducation have been utilized as an intervention for groups in urban schools. The following research expands upon this foundation by exploring intergenerational trauma (IGT). The following research aimed to answer this question, will learning about intergenerational trauma observationally improve adolescents' relationships to others? For eight weeks, I engaged a group of male and female minority adolescents in an urban high school in Connecticut to explore IGT as an element of human existence. Drama Therapy tools such as utilization of the playspace, elements of DvT, the integrative five phase model theater games and poetic …