Role Playing

Role playing is broadly defined as any instance or situation in which one deliberately acts out or assumes a particular character or role. In behavior therapy, role playing refers to widely accepted therapeutic techniques in which participants act out specific behavioral roles. The enactments provide material that can be targeted by interventions, with the goals of modifying behavior, expanding awareness, or changing attitudes. The therapist often plays the role of antagonist, while the client usually plays himself or herself. Because role playing allows one to overcome inhibitions and act out the inner self in a spontaneous, creative way, this process is widely used and accepted as an intervention for children.

Although there are many variations of the technique, role plays often involve acting out either hypothetical situations or circumstances that the child actually faces. The therapist may begin with imaginal situations and then gradually, as rapport is built and the child becomes accustomed to role playing, move to real-life situations (e.g., peer interactions). Hypothetical scenarios should generally be close to real-life situations. Role playing can be effective for children because the child becomes an active participant in the treatment process. Through active involvement, children feel as if they have some control in the therapeutic process and often enjoy these activities. The child's enjoyment not only makes therapy more engaging for the child but also decreases the likelihood of resistance.

Role-playing adaptive behaviors is important in the amelioration of behavioral and psychological difficulties. Through role playing, the child can learn and practice in a safe environment. Not only is the child an active participant, but the therapist also plays an active role by fully experiencing and reinforcing progress. By practicing various situations that the child may face, the child is taught that he or she has choices in behaviors and is expected to generate his or her own possibilities for actions. The child is then faced with the consequences of these choices. Through this process, adaptive behaviors are learned and practiced.

Many empirical studies suggest that role playing is an effective therapeutic intervention for children. Not only is role play effective for teaching children coping strategies and social skills but it also is influential in treating children with pervasive difficulties. For example, research suggests that role play techniques can be effective for treating sexually abused children and children with language delays.

Both specific role-play techniques and general terminologies grew out of the initial endeavors toward developing role theory. The emergence of role playing as a therapeutic intervention in the 20th century was eventually extended to behaviorally oriented interventions for children. Currently, behavioral role-play activities are utilized in a broad range of settings with diverse populations. Role playing is frequently used as an intervention for child inpatient and outpatient therapy, in group settings, and in correctional environments. Because role-play techniques are effective for children across multiple settings, they are widely used by teachers and counselors with various clinical orientations.