Process drama in five international contexts: Considering emotional responses and dramatic structuring

Abstract

This article reports on the responses of 114 adult participants in a process drama delivered in five international contexts. Drawing upon the work of Gavin Bolton and key appraisal theorists, the aim of the article is to extend current understandings of how emotion is experienced within process drama, while also gaining new insights into the factors that impact its type and intensity. Using a framework that links emotion, connection and commitment, analysis of the data reveals that when individuals experience high levels of both commitment and connection, diverse emotions are generated. It also reveals that while these emotional responses are highly individual and generally independent of the strategies being employed, their intensity is associated with dramatic tension. The article suggests that an understanding of these findings is important for effective process drama structuring and facilitation.