Going "full autistic" in improv: reduction in anxiety and other benefits

Many autistic people take part in improv comedy (a small subset of theatrical improvisation) yet there is a paucity of research on this topic. This thesis explores the benefits of improv for autistic adults, in particular how it may alleviate anxiety. In addition, the lived experiences of autistic people were sought to be accounted for across the studies. There are two main research questions that underline this research: what benefit can autistic adults derive from taking part in improv? And does taking part in improv reduce anxiety in autistic adults?

The thesis is split into two parts. Part one responds critically to studies using previously published and retrospective data, consisting of a literature review, survey using quantitative and qualitative methods, and an interview employed to understand what improvisers experience. Part two is a study of autistic adults who are new to improv. This study used mixed methods in order to understand the benefits of participating in an improv course for autistic adults. It was found that when embedded within the autistic lived experience, improv can only partly alleviate life stressors (including reducing anxiety experiences) with various additional benefits that may lead to better well-being or quality of life.

Specifically, it was found that the improv course led to a reduction in social anxiety and feelings of uncertainty during the pandemic and from a short 4-week course (research question 2), keeping in mind the sample size was small. Mental health gains were not only possible for autistic people, as other neurodivergent improvisers discussed mental health. Acceptance was found to be a central improv principle, which was maintained across all studies and seemed to have impact on identity and well-being. Nevertheless, group dynamics and formation fundamentally include exclusionary prospects, such as othering. Negative, social encounters (even vicariously, e.g., vicarious helplessness) will impact post-dehumanisation (i.e., felt acceptance) through spatial matters. The social world is dominated by neuro-normative constructs and expectations upon those othered by the societal and structural systems. Therefore, how an individual's life impacts upon them will be determined by each life encounter and experience. Nonetheless, improv has clear value that seems to translate well for autistic adults.