THE EFFECT OF PSYCHODRAMA GROUP THERAPY ON THE SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-COMPASSİON OF WOMEN ATTENDİNG COURSES AT SODAM

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of psychodrama group therapy on the self-esteem and self-compassion levels of disadvantaged women attending vocational courses at a Social Solidarity Center (SODAM). The research was conducted using a case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, and the study group consisted of 17 women residing in the Kırıkkale province who were selected on a voluntary basis. Data were collected through observations, psychodrama sessions, and participants’ verbal feedback during a six-session psychodrama process. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data obtained. AI-assisted tools (Claude, Anthropic) were utilized during the analysis process; the themes that emerged were reviewed and finalized by the researcher. Given that the researcher assumed both the roles of practitioner and analyst, a reflexive stance was adopted throughout the analysis process, and this was considered among the limitations of the study. As a result of the analysis, four themes emerged: self-awareness and emotional expression, psychological empowerment, relational problems and resistance to barriers, and the process of change and transformation. The findings indicate that participants initially exhibited low self-esteem due to factors such as spousal pressure, fear, and self-neglect; however, by the end of the process, they developed the ability to say “no” and showed an increase in their levels of self-compassion. Notably, the transformation of the “strong mother” image into a source of motivation and the concretization of dreams related to economic independence were among the noteworthy findings. In conclusion, it was determined that psychodrama is an effective intervention method for supporting the psychological well-being of disadvantaged women and reconstructing their self-perception.