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Ann Cai, Northeastern University, United StatesAbstract
This mixed-methods study examines the therapeutic efficacy of Bond, a psychotherapy stage play integrating narrative therapy, Adlerian psychology, and existential frameworks. Chinese college students (N = 168 matched pairs; 84% female, n=141; 16% male, n=27) completed pre/post surveys measuring anxiety, depression, and stress using 5-point scales, alongside 25 qualitative reflections from Chinese college students. Quantitative results showed significant/substantial reductions in anxiety (62.71% total improvement, t(167) = 5.64, p < .001, d = 0.43), depression (62.15%, t(167) = 4.87, p < .001, d = 0.38), and stress (69.49%, t(167) = 6.10, p < .001, d = 0.47). Thematic analysis revealed character identification (Han/June=61.58%, r=.59 for anxiety reduction; Bai/April=58.19%, r=.51 for relationship insights) and aesthetic synergy (dialogue=54.8%, performances=Han 47.46%/Bai 46.33%, music=40.11%, lighting transition = 33.33%) as key mechanisms. Cross-cultural feedback from American students (n=15) highlighted Bond's universal themes. Findings support aesthetic fluency theory (Chatterjee & Vartanian, 2016) and narrative catharsis (Goldstein, 2009), demonstrating theater's potential as powerful tools for mental health intervention.
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