Dramatic arts as a tool for pedagogical support of children affected by war: approaching the problem
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32405/2308-8885-2026-2(120)-6-11Keywords:
art pedagogy, drama therapy, dramatic arts, children affected by war, social adaptationAbstract
The article addresses the use of dramatic arts as a tool for pedagogical support of children affected by war. A review of contemporary Ukrainian and international research in art pedagogy and drama therapy demonstrates the significant impact of traumatic events on students’ psycho-emotional well-being. It has been established that war frequently triggers stress responses, anxiety, fear, and disruptions of internal balance, necessitating systematic pedagogical and psychological support.
It has been demonstrated that dramatic arts and drama-therapeutic practices enable children to process and comprehend their own experiences through creative activities, role-playing, and engagement with artistic imagery. Drama-therapeutic techniques allow for the safe exploration of imagined conflicts, the transformation of internal contradictions and fears, and the development of self-reflection, emotional resilience, and self-regulation. This process induces catharsis — emotional cleansing, moral renewal, and restoration of the individual’s inner resources.
The study shows that theatrical activity promotes the development of social skills, empathy, and the ability to interact constructively with others. Participation in collective dramatic practices helps children identify positive ways to overcome life challenges, fosters belief in goodness, justice, and the possibility of changing one’s life. It has been confirmed that integrating dramatic arts into educational settings (both in schools and in extracurricular programs) enhances personality development, supports creative potential, mitigates the effects of traumatic experiences, and cultivates essential life skills such as self-expression, adaptation, and emotional self-control.
The findings indicate that the systematic use of dramatic arts as both a pedagogical and therapeutic tool can form a foundation for comprehensive support for children affected by war, fostering the development of their inner resources, resilience, and engagement in life. Prospects for further research lie in the development of pedagogical technologies to integrate dramatic arts and drama-therapeutic practices into contemporary educational environments to support children affected by war.
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