Theoretical Discussions Regarding IDAM

Chapter One explores studies and theories of drama and play that support and explain well the effectiveness of IDAM. It first expounds on the important features of drama therapy that are central to IDAM, and focuses on children’s play and dramatic play. It then touches on dramatic reality and distancing, important perception of drama therapy, as well as differences between drama therapy and general drama teaching. It explains why this approach arouses some very profound responses in participant-children by going through discourses on mirroring, mentalization, and markedness by Fonagy et al., on mirror neurons by Iacoboni, and on Mother/Prime Caregiver and Child perspectives. The “ amae ” structure by Doi is extensively cited together with “passive object love” by Balint. It will also reflect on the difference between attachment and “ Amae ,” or indulgence, emotion particular to interpersonal relations in Japan. Excessive burden on mothers and children particular to Japan is also discussed.