Drama and Theater Interventions for Psychosocial Health in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives To assess the effects of drama and theatre interventions on psychosocial outcomes in older adults.Methods Nine databases were searched from inception to May 4, 2026. Comparative endpoint effects were pooled as Hedges’ g using random-effects models with Hartung–Knapp confidence intervals. Other evidence was summarized descriptively. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I, and certainty using GRADE. PROSPERO: CRD420261402660.Results Thirteen studies were included. Six contributed to at least one pooled outcome. Effects were uncertain for depressive symptoms (SMD −2.03, 95% CI −5.41 to 1.35, four studies, 404 participants) and quality of life (SMD 0.87, 95% CI −0.67 to 2.41, four studies, 384 participants). Heterogeneity was considerable (I2 = 95.6% and 89.2%, respectively). Social connection estimates were reported separately. Evidence certainty was very low. Depression results were sensitive to assumptions about dispersion in one study. Conclusions Current evidence does not establish effectiveness. Heterogeneous samples and measures, risk of bias, and incomplete reporting limit interpretation.Clinical Implications Clinicians considering these activities as exploratory psychosocial supports should account for participant preferences, accessibility, and psychological safety, and explain that benefits remain uncertain.