Process Theory, Psychodrama and Sociometry

Process theory has been developed in part in the context of sociometry and psychodrama. Moreno, the founder of psychodrama and sociometry, envisioned the three basic laws of processes in his concepts of spontaneity, role reversal, and co-creativity. In sociometry, he pioneered the concept of mathematical priority and psychological supremacy. Role reversal, a major process intervention, originates with Moreno, who introduced it as a family therapy in which family members, both present at the session, exchanged roles with each other.

There are several publications on the application of process theory to sociometry, focusing on the use of the diamond of opposites as a tool for analyzing choices and preferences, describing interpersonal styles and configurations, and choosing protagonists in group psychodrama.

Publications on the application of Process Theory to Sociometry

Carlson-Sabelli L, Sabelli HC, and Patel M. "Dynamics of Choosing in Small Group Systems". Proc of the Internat Soc for the Systems Sciences. 1991:3:7-13.

Carlson-Sabelli L and Sabelli HC. "Interpersonal Profiles: Analysis of Interpersonal Relations with the Phase Space of Opposites." Proc of the Internat Soc for the Systems Science, 1992.

Carlson-Sabelli L and Sabelli HC. "Phase Plane of Opposites: A Method to study change in complex processes, and its application to sociodynamics and psychotherapy." The Social Dynamicist 3: 1-6, 1992.

Carlson-Sabelli L, Sabelli HC, and Hale A. "Sociometry and Sociodynamics." In Psychodrama since Moreno: Innovations in theory and practice. Karp, Watson and Holmes, Editors (1994).

Publications on the application of process theory to Psychodrama

There have been many presentations on the application of process theory to psychodrama. A draft for an article is awaiting for its authors to complete. The role reversal technique has been examined from the process perspective:

Carlson-Sabelli L and Sabelli HC. "Reality, Perception and the Role Reversal." J Group Psychotherapy Psychodrama and Sociometry 1984:36:162-174.

Raaz N, Carlson-Sabelli L and Sabelli HC. (1992). Fragmented stories--putting together the pieces: A psychodramatic model. In Kluft, E. (Ed). Expressive and functional therapies in the treatment of Multiple personality, Charles Thomas, Springfield, IL.

Carlson-Sabelli, L. and H. Sabelli. (1996) Promoting creativity in action, while having fun. An experiential exercise. Proc. International Systems Society. 40th meeting, Louisville, Kentucky, July 14-19. Edited by M. L. W. Hall. Sustainable Peace in the World System, and the Next Evolution of Human Consciousness. pp 177-188

Related topics:

Process approach in psychology and psychiatry

Co-creative theatre illustrates the application of process theory to sociodrama.

Carlson-Sabelli L, and Sabelli HC. "The psychotherapeutic myth of the Mother Goddess. A co-creative theatrical performance." New Systems Thinking and Action for a New Century: Proc. International Systems Society 38th Annual Mtg., B. Brady and L. Peeno (Eds.), Pacific Grove, CA, 1994, pp. 1589-1600.

Linnea Carlson-Sabelli, Ph.D., Psychodrama Teacher Educator and Practitioner, has been active in the American Society of Group Psychotherapy, and Psychodrama, and founded the Midwest Chapter of the ASGPP. Hector Sabelli received the Zerca Moreno Award in 1993.

Prepared by Hector Sabelli
Date: August 1999