QOL Utilizing Sociodrama to Examine Attitude Changes to Bullying
Grace Telesco PhD is an Associate Professor in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice and Program Coordinator of an Undergraduate Program in the School of Criminal Justice. Dr. Telesco earned a Quality of Life Grant (QOL), titled “The Use of Sociodrama on Attitudes Related to Bullying among At-Risk Youth”.
Tell me briefly about your recent grant-funded project.
The purpose of the proposed study is to introduce an intervention strategy utilizing educational theater techniques known as “sociodrama” and explore its impact on adolescents. Specifically, it will examine potential attitude changes related to bullying. Sociodrama uses scenes based on real-life experiences to address social issues. Through a guided discussion with a facilitator, there is a dialogue between the audience and the “characters” who remain in character. The facilitator “freezes” the scene at critical points to reflect, identify positive behavior, and offer solutions for change.
A sociodrama program on bullying will be developed and presented for youth audiences provided by the United Way. Given that attitudes can serve as mediators for behavioral outcomes among adolescents (Engels, et al., 2004; Morgenstern, et al., 2011;), this study can shed light on how exposure to sociodrama programming may change attitudes, and therefore serve as an “attitudinal” mediator for future behavioral outcomes. Examining sociodrama as a method for attitudinal change can provide valuable insights into prevention and diversion from the criminal justice system. It will also provide information about novel approaches to bullying prevention initiatives.
To determine potential changes based on the sociodrama presented, a survey instrument will be used to measure general attitudes related to bullying, as well as attitudes related to future delinquency based on program participation. Surveys administered prior to and immediately following the sociodrama program will be compared. Results from this study can be used by practitioners and educators to develop innovative ways to reach at-risk youth through an educational theater modality. In addition, this study will provide important data for program assessment and help to inform future programming.
Who is working with you on this project?
Dr. Maria Levi-Minzi, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, Department of Human Services and Dr. Tara Jungerson, College of Psychology
What opportunities and/or benefits does this grant bring to the NSU community?
The NSU Sociodrama Ensemble: Stage for Change, has proven to be a very effective way to educate and to raise awareness on various critical social topics. The innovative methodology, utilizing dramatic techniques and promoting audience interaction with the characters in the scene, is unique and transformational for everyone involved in-person and even virtually.
We have partnered with the United Way of Broward County last year and over the summer. Currently we have scheduled a “peer pressure” sociodrama for March 22, 2023, and with this grant we will be able to continue our fruitful partnership while obtaining valuable research data. With this grant funding we will be able to deliver several sociodrama programs for youth, opening minds, hearts and facilitating conversations about difficult topics. Now more than ever, the youth in our communities need tools and skills to respond to situations involving bullying, peer pressure, mental health issues, suicide ideation by themselves and their peers, and substance use among many others. The primary goal for these youth audiences is Delinquency Prevention & Diversion.
It is also important to underline the importance of the data collection efforts. We truly believe that conducting pre and post surveys will help determine the effectiveness of sociodrama technique in helping to change attitudes about critical issues facing our youth today and through education, divert them from delinquency in the future. Data analysis and reporting is crucial to ensure the efficacy and the sustainability of the project.
How does this project connect with your other work at NSU?
The collaboration between the School of Criminal Justice, Department of Human Services and the College of Psychology is important for ongoing programming and this grant connects with the work I am already engaged in with the student organization (as their Faculty Advisor) Stage for Change.
How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself? NSU resources used?
NSU and the Executive Leadership of the Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice continue to support all the programming that I am involved in and provide the resources needed to successfully accomplish my goals.
What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?
Seek out mentors who have applied for grants and have successfully been awarded them.
What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?
At this time, I am the Principal Investigator on the Quality of Life Grant and also for a Qualitative Research Study Examining the Psycho-Social Outcomes of Survivors of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas School Shooting, Five Years Later. So when the current grant ends we will look at other opportunities.