Making connections across countries between creative approaches in qualitative interviewing with dis/abled communities

Abstract

This paper examines the application of similar creative techniques utilized in qualitative interviewing undertaken in two different countries alongside and with disabled people. Featuring two studies, one conducted in Australia and one in the United States, each utilized drama therapy techniques, such as role play, dramatic tableau, visual storytelling, and puppetry, to provide different ways of gathering data during qualitative interviews. As qualitative interview formats privilege verbal participants, the drama therapists conducting the studies wished to provide alternative methods for the participants to communicate their experiences during the interview process. After a methodology focused overview of each study, featuring participant vignettes and examples, this article explores the potential value of incorporating dramatic and creative techniques in research studies which seek to explore the lived experiences of disabled communities through qualitative interviewing. Common themes will be explored that were seen across different cultural and community contexts.

Points of Interest

• This article is about using drama therapy and creativity in research interviews with disabled participants

• The two researchers who are both drama therapists come from different countries, Australia and the United States, and experienced similar responses from participants

• The participants appeared to enjoy having the choice to express themselves in creative ways

• The researchers found that offering different creative ways to engage increased participants’ involvement

• Creativity is a useful tool in research interviews with disabled participants

Keywords:

• drama therapy
• qualitative interviewing
• disabilities
• creative interview techniques

Acknowledgements

The dissertation study, ‘Exploring Inclusion in a Therapeutic Theater Production’ (Cook 2020), which was partially discussed in this article, was awarded the Dissertation Award for Empirical Research by the Drama Therapy Fund. The doctoral study, ‘No Innovation without Imitation: Exploring relationships and interpersonal learning processes through group dramatherapy with adolescents in special education’ (Musicka-Williams 2020a) discussed in this article was undertaken with permission from The Victorian Education Department and the support of a studentship through the Creative Arts Therapies Research Unit, The University of Melbourne. Heartfelt thanks to the generous research participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.