Efficacy of Psychodrama Techniques in Internalizing Symptoms (anxiety, depression and somatization) among Adolescent Girls Victims of Bullying in Kermanshah

Background and Psychodrama is a special approach that facilitates releasing trapped emotions in order to adopt new behaviors and recognize self-form. This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of psychodrama techniques in internalizing symptoms among guidance school girls bully/victims in Kermanshah. This study was a quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test and control group. Data was collected using Olweus Bully/Victim questionnaire and the adolescents form of Achenbach behavioral problems questionnaire. Thirty girls who achieved higher scores in the Olweus Bully/Victim questionnaire were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in eight psychodrama group sessions (1.5 hours- two times per week), while no intervention was done for the control group. To analyze the data descriptive and inferential statistical methods (analysis of covariance) were used. ANCOVA test showed the efficacy of psychodrama techniques in reducing the youth internalizing symptoms (Eta=0.66–P<0.001) and its subscales: anxiety - depression (Eta=0.53–P<0.001), isolation - depression (Eta=0.31 – P<0.001), and physical complaints (Eta=0.60 – P<0.001). According to this study, using psychodrama techniques play an important role in improving mental health in young individuals.