How the well-being of caregivers of children with disabilities can be promoted, using applied drama?

Applied Drama

Using a drama-based education programme to develop a ‘relational’ approach to care for those working with people living with dementia

A contrast between the medical model and a person-centred approach to providing care is discussed and the epistemological assumptions of the person-centred model are described and critiqued with reference to Levinas. Explores the use of a drama-based educational programme to foster a relational approach amongst carers. (Greenwood, D., 2015)

Project Njabulo: Using Storytelling, Drama, and Play Therapy for Psycho-Social Interventions in Communities Affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa - Pathways to Empathetic Locally Sustainable Care

We decided to implement longer artist residencies instead of performances that focused on strengthening relationships at home. Our new vision was to facilitate empathy interaction between children and guardians that is mutually beneficial while relieving stress and trauma associated with HIV/AIDS. The foundation of our methodology rests on local cultural mediums of storytelling, song, and African drama while integrating innovative techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, play therapy, and symbolic play (Lachman, J., 2013).

“Breaking the fourth wall”: Activating hope through participatory theatre with family caregivers


Over the course of the study, scenarios, which were based on the realities of the participants’ lives as caregivers, were developed for the purpose of exploring strategies to deal with situations that challenged hope. Following two live performances, audience and participants completed open-ended surveys. Participants were also interviewed about their experiences of hope during the process. The results of the surveys and interviews were that using PT with this population was feasible and a meaningful experience. The participants reported that their hope was fostered through participation. (Quinlan, E., Duggleby, W., 2009)

Well-Being

1. Parents of children with a developmental disability
who have strong networks of social support have
been found to show decreased levels of stress (Benson, 2006; Cramm & Neiboer, 2011; Gouin et al., 2016; Minjarez et al., 2013; Noh et al., 1989)

1. It is revealed that family income and different living conditions such as housing and transportation significantly affect the family’s QOL (Hu et al., 2012).

1. Showed greater likelihood of chronic conditions and exhibited significantly more smoking and unhealthy sleep than caregivers of children without a disability (Lee, M.H., Park, C., Matthews, A. K., & Hsieh, K., 2017).

1. Over half of the caregivers surveyed experience
psychological distress, and the percentage of caregivers
of children with disabilities experiencing such is higher
than the overall population (Yamaoka, Y., Tamiya, N.,
Moriyama, Y., Felipe Alfonso, S.G., Sumazaki, R.,
Noguchi, H., 2015)

Strategies Promoting Well-Being

1. ‘A respite thing’: A qualitative study of a creative arts leisure programme for family caregivers of people with dementia

The creative arts group offered camaraderie and participants highlighted that making art together was more pleasurable than problem-focused carer support groups.
The creative art programme met certain deep-seated needs arising giving day-today care to a person with dementia. (Pienaar, L. & Reynolds, F., 2015)

1. Support Needs of Families Living with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Spouses were rated as the most helpful support. Professional helpers were rated as ‘somewhat helpful’. Helpful support emphasised caring, knowledge and accessibility. Ethnic differences in perceptions of support endorse calls for culturally tailored supports. Informal supports are highly valued however professional supports require development to better meet caregiver needs. (Searing, B. M. J., Graham, F., & Grainger, F., 2015)