National University for Theatre and Film IL Caragiale Bucharesti

The MET project aims to develop a methodology for therapy through theatrical tools, with an effect at the neurochemical and neurocognitive levels. In collaboration with our partners, we use behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical and imaging techniques, to determine how minimalist theatrical practices impact stress level and social closeness.
The scientific hypothesis of the project is that theatre practices modulate neuronal activity and plasticity by controlling the secretion of the neuro-hormones oxytocin and cortisol, and by adjusting the activity of the immune system. We believe that via these physiological changes, theatre therapies could induce pro-social behaviours, reduce stress, and increase the overall well-being of individuals.
The project was completed in 2021 with more than 11 experiments and 1300 subjects from which 200 of them participated in groups were the resulting procedure was applied. The procedures showed strongest results for subjects with PTSD reducing stress experienced levels and promoting prosocialness but also for elderly people promoting closeness towards trainer in the methodology. The techniques used in the methodology are mirroring, role-play and autobiographical memory retrieval. The results of the project have been published in peer reviewed journals like Neuro Image or Frontiers in Psychology. 3 minutes of social mirroring significantly increased salivary oxytocin behaviour a neurohormone involved in bond formation with correlated changes as observed through EEG . Memory retrieval increased DMN connectivity and role play increased prosocial attitudes and positive emotions and decreased anxiety levels.
The conclusions of the MET validation are based on the research activities applied on a total number of 1274 subjects, monitored by the four evaluation techniques already mentioned (biochemical measurements, electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging and psycho-behavioral tests).