Donham-Stradling, Mackenzee. (2025). Beyond Stigma: Role Theory and Drama Therapy in Reentry and Rehabilitation. Unpublished senior thesis. Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Donham-Stradling, Mackenzee. (2025). Beyond Stigma: Role Theory and Drama Therapy in Reentry and Rehabilitation. Unpublished senior thesis. Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Author Affiliations: Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Artforms: Drama therapy
Program: NA
Program Description: Three two-hour drama therapy sessions over three weeks using role-based interventions (integrating Jones’ core processes, Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, the CoATT model, psychodrama and Landy’s Role Theory and role assessment) Program (Study) Location: Transitional living facility for formerly incarcerated women, Massachusetts
Study Published: 2025
Participant Type: Formerly incarcerated women with co-occurring mental health and
substance use disorders.
Sample Size: 8
Data Type: Direct observation, field notes, and artistic responses
Evaluation Focus: Patterns in role transformations and engagement

Summary of Impact: Results “indicate that drama therapy fosters increased empathy, self-reflection, and personal empowerment, while also challenging internalized stigma and external labels imposed by society. . . [allowing [participants] to redefine their identities, adopt new relational perspectives, and develop a greater sense of community and support” (p. 35). “The results suggest that drama therapy can serve as a powerful tool for identity reformation and social reintegration among system-impacted individuals” (p. 2).

KEYWORDS: adult, drama therapy, identity, roles, reentry, women