Community-Based Theater and Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities: An Investigation of Individual and Group Development, Social Activism, and Community Integration

摘要: Catherine Stein, Advisor The present study is a qualitative inquiry focused on understanding community-based theater involving people living with psychiatric disabilities through the narratives of troupe members and directors. uses grounded theory case design to investigate Stars Light in Rockford, Illinois. research specifically explores developmental processes its members, social activism, critical characteristics theatrical form. project addresses individual, setting/group, community levels analysis using semi-structured interviews, focus group, archival/performance data. Emergent themes were analyzed hierarchical coding process that ultimately generated 18 theoretical constructs across three primary domains interest (developmental processes, theater). Findings indicate setting, organizational interact one another variety ways, including 1) flexibility enhances sustainability personal growth, 2) gains from involvement are carried forward into other life settings outside troupe, 3) activities impact wider several ways beyond direct audience contact. Results also revealed emergent related identity development consumer participants, setting dynamics trajectories, as means aiding recovery process. These discussed relation previous recovery, serious mental illness (SMI), consumer-driven programs, arts initiatives. Specific recommendations presented for health settings, iii activist organizations; limitations suggestions future