test Enhancing the resilience of children and adolescents through drama pedagogy in times of crisis|Education & Theatre

Enhancing the resilience of children and adolescents through drama pedagogy in times of crisis

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Published: Nov 29, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/edth.39753
Keywords:
Drama pedagogy applied theatre resilience crises well-being social support
Maria Philippopoulou-Iosifidou
Open University of Cyprus
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5873-3437
Konstantinos Mastrothanasis
Open University of Cyprus
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8703-9607
Abstract

The use of drama pedagogy has emerged as a significant method of supporting the psychosocial resilience of children and adolescents during times of crisis, such as pandemics, social upheaval and natural disasters. A key focus of this approach is addressing the negative impact of such crises on young people’s mental health and social development. Typical manifestations include anxiety, depression and social isolation. Using theatre and drama techniques has been shown to be an effective way of enhancing adaptive skills, promoting collectivity and fostering emotional well-being. This paper constitutes a theoretical study based on a narrative review of the international literature published between 2004 and 2024. It highlights the need for a long-term evaluation of theatre/drama-based interventions, as well as the importance of designing applications that are culturally and socially responsive. Drama pedagogy can reinforce psychological resilience and foster young people’s social and emotional competencies during times of crisis.

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Author Biographies
Maria Philippopoulou-Iosifidou, Open University of Cyprus

Maria Filippopoulou-Iosifidou graduated from the Department of Theatre Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece and is currently undertaking postgraduate theatre studies at the Open University of Cyprus. Since 2010, she has worked as a drama teacher in primary education and has also served as an assistant director in theatre productions. She has attended workshops on improvisation, photography and videography, and has participated in seminars on theatre games, puppet construction and animation, classroom management, forum theatre and playback theatre. As part of her teaching practice, she has created short films and implemented projects focusing on puppetry and animation.

Konstantinos Mastrothanasis, Open University of Cyprus

Konstantinos Mastrothanasis has a PhD from the Department of Primary Education at the University of the Aegean in Greece and is a post-doctoral researcher at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece. He lectures in theatre pedagogy, drama education and arts-based teaching methods for vulnerable groups at universities in Greece and Cyprus. His work focuses particularly on applied theatre in education, health and well-being. He is the coordinator and adjunct professor of the MA programme in Theatre Studies at the Open University of Cyprus. He also serves as the supervisor of the national team of experts at the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP). The aim of this team is to enrich digital educational content in Music and Drama Education by creating interactive, open and accessible digital environments powered by artificial intelligence. His work has been recognised by the Hellenic Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (ΙΑΚΕ) and the Hellenic Scientific Association for the Promotion of Educational Innovation (EEPEK).

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