Addressing psychosis stigma in urban Pakistan through participatory forum theatre: A pilot implementation study.
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Boscoe, Ashley a
Qureshi, Onaiza b,e
Khan, Zahra b,d
Pasha, Aneeta b
O'Driscoll, Ciaran a
Shaikh, Madiha a,c
Check for full-text access
Issue Date
Feb-26
Type
Journal article
Language
Keywords
Mental Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Introduction: Stigma remains a major barrier to treatment and recovery for individuals with psychosis, particu
larly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, where access to mental health services is limited
and cultural perceptions of mental illness are often shaped by supernatural beliefs. This pilot study employed
Forum Theatre, a participatory, arts-based method rooted in Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed (TO), to
engage communities and reduce psychosis-related stigma through co-created performance and dialogue. The
intervention was co-produced with individuals with lived experience of psychosis, caregivers, performers, and
TO experts.
Methods: Using a mixed-methods design and guided by the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies
(StaRI) framework, the study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Forum Theatre to address psychosis
related stigma in urban Pakistan. Phase 1 involved participatory workshops to co-develop a script to be per
formed to community audiences. Phase 2 included public performances followed by audience interaction. Data
were collected via semi-structured interviews, audience intercept “vox pops” and pre/post-performance stigma
questionnaires (CAMI-12 and KAP) at three time points.
Results: Overall, the intervention was well-received, with high retention (75 % workshops; 70.5 % follow-up).
Quantitative findings showed an increase in psychosis knowledge, though no statistically significant change in
stigma scores. Thematic analysis identified eight key themes, from positive impact of workshop participation to
calls for expansion, highlighting logistical barriers and power dynamics as areas for further review.
Discussion: Forum Theatre shows potential as a feasible and culturally relevant approach to address stigma in
LMICs. Further research with validated measures and wider recruitment is warranted to assess its broader impact
and sustainability.
Description
Citation
Boscoe, A., Qureshi, O., Khan, Z., Pasha, A., O'Driscoll, C., & Shaikh, M. (2026). Addressing psychosis stigma in urban Pakistan through participatory forum theatre: A pilot implementation study. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 60, 152032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2025.152032
Publisher
License
Journal
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
Volume
60