Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2014

Disciplines

Psychology

Advisor

Ben Faber

Abstract

The present study looked at whether theatre could be used as a successful intervention for refugees living in the United States. Using Boal’s (1985) Theatre of the Oppressed model, Karen refugees from Laos and Thailand, now living in Minnesota completed a four day workshop. Before and after the theatre workshop the participants were tested on overall well-being (self-esteem and mood), creativity, and English language abilities. Significant improvements were found for overall well-being. In addition, the workshops were shown to have the greatest impact on those who had a lower English language ability to start. Overall, theatre appears to be a promising tool for helping refugees and other marginalized groups and the benefits should continue to be studied.

Comments

Readers: Rodger Narloch, Lisa Platt, Adam Houghton

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