This study is to find out how it is effective to use the story as a study of drama therapy programs for the emotional recognition of adult developmental disabilities. To this end, the researchers looked at how two participants experienced changes in emotional recognition based on a year-long drama therapy class at Hosanna University, a special university for developmental disabilities. The work consisted of a projection and role-oriented improvisation featuring three stories - Invisible children, Up and The Wizard of Oz. Three diagnostic assessment tools developed by the researchers were used as diagnostic assessment tools – the chart of the emotional recognition variation, the chart of the external change, and diagnostic evaluation tools using EPR. Studies have shown that participants can feel their emotions separately and initiatively.
First, they could experience various emotions through the roles in the story. In other words, by experiencing various roles, they could distinguish their emotions, and feel them separately. In particular, the experience of purifying emotions of sadness and fear was effective in the emotional recognition of participants.
Second, through the story, they were able to face unresolved issues, oppression, and wishes safely. This naturally led to the discovery of their needs.
Third, by finding their main emotions, main desires, etc. through story-using drama therapy, the participants could help create their own story that integrates the past, present, and future, and build up the power to live in the future.
Fourth, as a result of this work, the spontaneity of participants was strengthened, and correction of problem behavior patterns such as reduction of voice tics was made.