Review

Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model

Volume: 18 Number: 1 March 31, 2026
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Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model

Abstract

Psychodrama is an experiential psychotherapeutic method whose effectiveness has been validated through extensive qualitative and quantitative research, finding broad applicability in both clinical and sub-clinical contexts. Contemporary theorists and authors agree that action and spontaneity-creativity, the two conceptual foundations of psychodrama, constitute the therapeutic core underlying its effectiveness. However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive explanation of the neural mechanisms through which action, spontaneity, and creativity exert their therapeutic effects. The recent and growing dialogue between neuroscience and psychotherapy is likely to shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying psychodrama. On the other hand, the action-oriented nature of psychodrama, which distinguishes it from other psychotherapy approaches, necessitates examining it through the lens of another discipline—ecological psychology. This article proposes an integrated neuro-psychodramatic model to elucidate the neuroscientific and psychological mechanisms underpinning spontaneity and creativity in psychodrama, highlighting how the ecological psychology concept of affordances, situated within the perception-action cycle framework, mediates psychodramatic spontaneity-creativity, and demonstrating how the neural bases of cognitive/behavioral flexibility parallel those underlying spontaneity-creativity. This integrative model enhances theoretical understanding, guides future empirical research, and aims to optimize psychodramatic therapeutic interventions within contemporary neuroscientific and psychological paradigms.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This integrative review analyzes only previously published studies and does not involve any direct data collection from participants. Therefore, the author did not seek ethical approval or informed consent.

Thanks

The author would like to thank Naime Hatice Gürler for her contribution to the article for editing the reference list.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social and Affective Neuroscience, Psychological Methodology, Design and Analysis

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

November 27, 2025

Publication Date

March 31, 2026

Submission Date

May 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 18 Number: 1

APA
Kurt Combil, P. (2026). Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, 18(1), 163-177. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1700533
AMA
1.Kurt Combil P. Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026;18(1):163-177. doi:10.18863/pgy.1700533
Chicago
Kurt Combil, Pınar. 2026. “Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar 18 (1): 163-77. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1700533.
EndNote
Kurt Combil P (March 1, 2026) Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar 18 1 163–177.
IEEE
[1]P. Kurt Combil, “Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model”, Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 163–177, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.18863/pgy.1700533.
ISNAD
Kurt Combil, Pınar. “Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar 18/1 (March 1, 2026): 163-177. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1700533.
JAMA
1.Kurt Combil P. Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026;18:163–177.
MLA
Kurt Combil, Pınar. “Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, vol. 18, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 163-77, doi:10.18863/pgy.1700533.
Vancouver
1.Pınar Kurt Combil. Neural Dynamics of Spontaneity and Creativity in Psychodrama: An Integrated Neuro-Psychodramatic Model. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026 Mar. 1;18(1):163-77. doi:10.18863/pgy.1700533
 
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