Exploring Benefits of Participatory Drama and Storytelling Workshops
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Benefit of Participatory Drama and Storytelling Workshops for Young People with Dementia and their Carers.
IRAS ID
149124
Contact name
Alison Ward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Northamtpon
Research summary
This qualitative research project, based on ethnographic techniques, will explore the potential benefit of participatory drama and storytelling workshops for young people with dementia (PwD), aged under 65 years, and their carers. Research and practice in this field has focused, largely, on older PwD and their carers, with benefits reported through improved communication, greater social interactions (Wilkinson et al., 1998; Gould, 2013), improved memory (Lepp et al., 2003), development of humour and laughter (Stevens, 2011, Killick and Craig, 2012) as well as benefits reported for the carer (Lepp et al., 2003; Stevens, 2011). However, little research has been carried out in this field incorporating the voice of PwD (Beard, 2012) and which looks at the potential use of drama and storytelling with people with young onset dementia (PwYOD). This research seeks to address this gap through engagement with PwYOD, and in exploring the experience of participating in drama and storytelling workshops, based on established techniques, such as improvisation and games (Gersie, 1997; Basting, 2011; Prendergast and Saxton, 2013). The focus will be on understanding the potential for such work to strengthen self-esteem and self-identity and understand whether techniques used within the workshops can be transferred into participants’ everyday lives, e.g. communication techniques; elements which are central to the aims of applied drama and storytelling (Emunah, 1994; Gersie, 1997; Basting, 2011; Prendergast and Saxton, 2013). Participants (PwYOD and their carers) will be invited to take part in this study which will entail participation in 10 weekly drama workshops, three interviews and a photo diary exercise. Full consent will be obtained from each participant prior to participation on each element of the study and capacity to consent for those with dementia will be monitored by the researcher and through discussions with the carers.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1110
Date of REC Opinion
3 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion