What Harvard Teaches About Theater and Mental Health

 

What Harvard teaches about theater and mental health is surprisingly deeper than one might initially imagine.

More than just a form of artistic expression, theater has stood out in studies as a powerful tool for emotional and psychological development. The latest research from Harvard reveals that theatrical practice, besides developing social and emotional skills, has concrete impacts on mental health, helping control anxiety, overcome trauma, and strengthen self-esteem. As we deepen our understanding of theater’s therapeutic power, we realize that it leads us far beyond the stage, becoming a life practice that transforms those who engage with it.

In the Psychology Laboratory at Harvard University, experiments with groups of students show that involvement in theatrical activities stimulates brain areas related to empathy and understanding others. A study led by psychologist Jennifer Lerner demonstrated that participants involved in dramatic activities experience an increase in emotional resilience. This practice provides a better understanding of human emotions, allowing participants to manage their own feelings more healthily and constructively. By taking on different roles, people gain a clearer view of their own experiences, which in turn helps them deal with difficult situations in their lives.

Moreover, theatrical practice promotes a form of expression that reduces stress and anxiety. Studies at Harvard’s School of Public Health reveal that theater allows for controlled expression of intense emotions, significantly contributing to reducing symptoms of anxiety. In one of her studies, psychologist Amy Cuddy observed that theater and performance lower cortisol levels—a hormone related to stress—and increase oxytocin levels, a hormone linked to empathy and social pleasure. By working together to stage plays or improvise scenes, participants experience collaboration and mutual support, essential to strengthening mental health.

Theater also enhances self-esteem and self-confidence. For many people, stepping onto a stage and performing is a challenging experience, but one that, once achieved, generates a profound sense of accomplishment and overcoming. Harvard studies show that facing this fear creates a solid foundation of self-confidence. In research led by psychology professor Robert Waldinger, students who participated in theatrical activities reported a significant increase in their self-esteem after just a few weeks of practice. This boost in self-confidence then reflects positively in other areas of life, from work to personal relationships, where people feel more secure in expressing themselves.

Another interesting aspect studied at Harvard is the role of theater in developing problem-solving abilities. In acting, actors need to find creative ways to interpret different roles, which requires mental flexibility and quick conflict resolution. According to researchers in neuroscience, this is extremely beneficial for cognitive development. Professor and neuroscientist Sarah Lazar, known for her studies in neuroplasticity, observed that theatrical activities stimulate the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for planning and decision-making. Once acquired, these skills become useful offstage as well, strengthening the ability to face everyday challenges with creativity and assertiveness.

Theater also offers a safe means of expression for those dealing with trauma. At Harvard Medical School, theater has been used as a therapeutic method to help people process difficult experiences. Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Herman observed that dramatization allows individuals to reinterpret their traumatic experiences, transforming pain into something that can be externalized and thus understood and controlled. This process of “representation” helps people face their fears gradually, providing a safe, guided path for trauma processing without needing to relive the situations directly.

Furthermore, theater helps develop essential social skills, such as communication and active listening. At Harvard, studies on theater practice with children and adolescents revealed that they develop a greater ability for communication and social interaction through classes. This practice fosters empathetic listening and the ability to understand others, which are essential qualities in any healthy relationship. Professor Howard Gardner, author of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, observed that theater plays a central role in developing interpersonal intelligence, as it requires individuals to understand and relate to others on a deep level.

Practicing theater may initially seem merely recreational, but Harvard demonstrates that it is a powerful tool for self-awareness and building healthier relationships. By engaging in theatrical activities, people become more aware of their emotions and learn to express them constructively. This skill is particularly useful in conflict situations, where clear and honest communication can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen bonds. Thus, theatrical practice teaches us not only how to deal with the stage but also with the challenges and nuances of human relationships, which demand patience, understanding, and emotional balance.

Harvard also highlights that theater contributes to a fuller and more meaningful life, allowing us to explore creativity, one of the richest sources of emotional well-being. For the renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who developed the concept of “flow” (a state of complete immersion), theater is one of the activities that most facilitates this experience, where a person is fully engaged in an activity that brings pleasure and fulfillment. This state of flow provides a sense of well-being and satisfaction, positively contributing to mental health.

Thus, according to Harvard studies, theater is a practice that goes beyond entertainment, serving as a true therapy for the mind and spirit. It teaches, heals, and transforms, proving to be a valuable tool for maintaining mental health. By allowing us to express ourselves in an authentic and safe manner, theater becomes a practice of life that anyone can adopt to enrich their experience and strengthen their mental health.

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