Utilization of films as Wellsprings of Succour, Edification and Repose for Psychologically Lacerated Persons: An Exploratory Study

Eliud Situma; John Mugubi

doi:10.58256/njhs.v1i10.791

Authors

Eliud Situma
authorservices@royalliteglobal.com
Department of Film and Theatre Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
John Mugubi Department of Film and Theatre Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents an appraisal on Film, principally docudrama as a tool in the psychotherapeutic process among distressed people. The major findings resulting from reviewing several studies illustrate that cinematic techniques and enactment greatly play a role in decreasing psychological distress levels as well as depression. Subsequently, the study concludes that presentation and manipulation of characters effectively may engender positive results on persons healing from psychosomatic anguish and despondency. This study avers that cinematographic techniques carry healing and therapeutic value if utilized in psychosocial supportive environment. Film therapy enables clients to tell their life stories to their therapists. Film is therefore a potentially valuable means for clients to vent out their emotional stress and inculcate optimism. The entertainment aspect may make the client to forget/suspend negative feelings associated with trauma hence reducing negative defence mechanism that could encumber a therapeutic process.

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