ABSTRACT
The present book discusses Dr. Jacob Levy Moreno’s (1889–1974) theory of personality and its relationship to psychodrama from the philosophical, developmental and therapeutic aspects. Moreno’s work is analyzed from six interrelated perspectives: the theory and Moreno’s personal biography, the philosophical-theological aspect, the developmental approach and role theory, psychodrama and sociometry. The study attempts to provide a theoretical model based on Moreno’s personal experiences.
Moreno was a psychiatrist, a scientist and a philosopher. His thoughts were reflected in the three fields he founded: psychodrama, group psychotherapy and sociometry. Moreno enriched human thought with his creative view of philosophy and religion, and was a key figure in the artistic climate of his time.
In psychodrama – as well as in sociometry – Moreno established what he regarded as his own theory of personality based on concepts such as creativity and spontaneity. Moreno’s major contribution was constructing a therapeutic system that provides psychotherapeutic tools.
Moreno does not distinguish between himself and his work. He translated his understanding and interpretation of his own private experiences to a philosophy of life. He saw himself as a model for the spontaneous and creative man, who experienced life through direct encounters with human beings, in accordance with his personality theory.
