The Benefits of Drama and Therapeutic Theatre for Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention-Based Studies

Theatre-based interventions are active psychotherapeutic approaches involving the intentional and systematic use of theatrical processes to primarily promote self-expression, enhance social interaction and facilitate emotional, cognitive and social development. They have increasingly been applied to support individuals with disabilities, yet evidence remains fragmented and inconsistent. This review systematically reviewed and synthesized findings from 15 intervention-based studies (n = 453 participants; 103 effect sizes) examining the developmental, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes of drama and therapeutic theatre programs for children with disabilities. Results indicated significant overall benefits of drama and therapeutic theatre interventions, particularly in enhancing social engagement, emotional regulation, and self-expression, with moderate effects observed in cognitive and behavioral domains. Moderator analyses suggested that intervention duration, group format, and type of disability influenced the magnitude of outcomes, with stronger effects reported for children with autism spectrum disorder and in programs of longer duration. Despite methodological variability, the overall quality of evidence was rated as moderate. Findings provide robust support for the inclusion of drama and therapeutic theatre in educational and therapeutic contexts for children with disabilities. However, challenges remain regarding intervention standardization, fidelity, and outcome measurement. Future research should prioritize larger randomized controlled trials, clearer theoretical frameworks, and systematic integration of theatre-based interventions into inclusive education and mental health policies.