Interpretation model of role reversal based on predictive processing theory

Abstract

: Role reversal is one of the core techniques of psychodrama therapy. According to Jacob Levy Moreno, the founder of psychodrama, the self emerges from the role that we play. On the basis of Morenian role theory, rich clinical experience has been accumulated in contemporary psychodrama therapy, but it lacks an explanatory theory to comprehensively explain the working mechanism of psychodrama therapy. Starting from the analysis of role reversal experience, predictive processing theory explains interpersonal interaction and role construction in the process of role reversal. According to predictive processing theory, role reversal is a kind of self-construction process. From a single role reversal treatment to different aspects in the process of psychotherapy, this self-construction process is as follows. First, role reversal brings about the change of the signal type. Second, role reversal results in model update. Third, the new model is constructed and generated in the interaction between the individual self and the other. The conclusion turns out that explaining the structural features of role reversal according to predictive processing theory can promote this technology so as to play a better role in clinical treatment.