Exploring the impact of school-based drama therapy on emotional distress in UK primary school children: A contribution of quantitative data

Drama therapy is delivered to children in schools; however, little empirical data evaluating the quantitative effect is currently available. This observation study of ten children undergoing drama therapy for emotional distress (anxiety, depression, trauma) addressed this gap. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) assessed both group and individual change. Child-, parent- and teacher-reported distress symptoms reduced, particularly internalizing symptoms and those measured via the RCADS. Studies with a larger sample, allowing for subgroup analyses, are recommended.