Role theory and executive functioning: Constructing cooperative paradigms of drama therapy and cognitive neuropsychology

This theoretical investigation reviews drama therapy theory within the framework of neuropsychology. In order to accomplish such a task, Landy's role theory (Landy, 1993, Landy, 2001 and Landy, 2009) is outlined via its foundational components and re-examined within an executive functioning model. The focus of this work is on those executive functions which contribute to the development, selection, and activation of roles within a social context. They are: working memory, attention, cognitive control (inhibition), and theory of mind. As a result, conceptual groundwork is established for the development of a burgeoning cooperation between paradigms of drama therapy and cognitive neuropsychology.