Evaluation of a Dramatic Writing Workshop in Youth With or Without Psychiatric Disorders

Background: Metacognitive difficulties are frequent among youth with a psychiatric disorder. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a dramatic writing workshop on the metacognition of youth aged from 14 to 25 years, the majority presenting a stabilized psychiatric disorder. Methods: Twenty-four youth were recruited for the study, 12 youth who received the workshop and 12 who did not. Among each group of 12 eligible participants, 10 presented with a stabilized psychiatric disorder and two did not. Metacognition, social cognition, psychological and social functioning measures as well as questionnaires about objectives and appreciation regarding the workshop were used. Results: Analyses revealed no differences between groups after the workshop in regard to youth’s metacognition, social cognition, nor psychological and social functioning. On the other hand, youth who participated in the workshop appreciated their experience, and their psychological and social functioning didn’t deteriorate. Conclusions: Study results suggest that the duration of the workshop and the number of sessions should be extended.