The use of sociodrama in social work research. Ethical and methodological orientations for the role and the function of the researcher-facilitator

The objective of this article in the Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie is to propose a reflection on the role and function of the researcher using Moreno’s sociodrama within social research, particularly in the context of social and educational services working with children, parents, and families. The reflection is framed within participatory research, emphasizing the importance of conducting research with people rather than on them, highlighting the researcher’s active engagement in different contexts. Key topics include the researcher’s role as a facilitator in sociodrama sessions, the selection and application of psychodramatic techniques, relationships between the researcher-facilitator, colleagues, and participants, as well as ethical and methodological considerations. The contribution integrates participatory research principles with Moreno’s theory, illustrating different roles within the research context and exploring relevant psychodramatic and sociodramatic techniques.