Developing the Identity-based Psychodrama Package and comparing it with Psychodrama on Neuroticism

Background and Aim: Most studies have focused only on neuroticism superstructure and the reduction of its symptoms, and there is no comprehensive model on the treatment of neuroticism infrastructurally. This research aimed to develop identity-based psychodrama package and compare the effect of this therapy with psychodrama on neuroticism. Methods and Materials: This research consists of five studies. The first study was a qualitative research with Attride-Stirling's thematic analysis method. The research community in this stage for analysis of themes affecting identity achievement included all papers related to identity aspects. The second study was a qualitative content analysis based on inductive approach through a semi-structured interview with neurotic individuals. The third study was a quantitative analysis and an educational-therapeutic package was developed. The fourth study was of validation type with Lawshe's method. The population in this stage included all specialized psychologists in identity issues. The last study was a quasi-experimental method, pre-test/post-test type with a control group, and a follow-up period of 60 days. The population in this stage included all people referred to Pendar Nik Counseling Center in Najafabad city, Isfahan province, Iran, in 2020, finally 60 people were selected and randomly assigned into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group. In order to collect data, the 5-factor inventory was used. Results: The results of the first study suggested 8 global themes that with additional information in the second study, the identity-based psychodrama package was developed in the third study. The results of the fourth study indicated the validity of the package by the evaluators. The results of the last study showed that the mean scores of neuroticism in the two experimental groups significantly differed from the control group scores. Besides, identity-based psychodrama was more effective in reducing the neuroticism compared with psychodrama (p<0.001).  Conclusion: Compared with psychodrama, identity-based psychodrama package is more effective in reducing the neuroticism.