Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Balletic Mind: Expressive Arts Therapy For Professional Ballet Dancers: A Literature Review And Autoethnography, Madison Borden

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis explores the mental health needs of professional ballet dancers and suggests how expressive arts therapies can be used to address issues surrounding themes of body image, injury and pain, and identity. A review of the research on ballet culture examines both the advantages and disadvantages of ballet for a dancer's overall health. By acknowledging both the negative and positive qualities of ballet, counselors may develop a deeper awareness and empathy for a population that severely overworks their body and mind. An autoethnographic approach was used to allow for personal ballet practices to influence and stimulate academic inquiry while …

Utilizing Dance Movement Therapy In The Treatment Of Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, Elizabeth Powers

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

There is a gap in the literature regarding treatment of pediatric Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) with Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD) is a mental illness in which the affected individual experiences somatic symptoms in response to atypical nervous system activation. Dance movement therapy incorporates embodied experiences and physical movement in collaboration with emotional and psychological expression and processing. FNSD symptoms occur when the person’s symptoms are poorly integrated (Weiss et al., 2021) and is best treated through a variety of multidisciplinary treatments supporting all aspects of the client (Kim et al., 2022). Treatment often incorporates …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Potential Supplementary Treatment For Vasovagal Syncope: A Literature Review, Natasha Skye Mcleod

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance movement therapy has been utilized as an evidenced-based modality in treating numerous medical diagnoses. Despite its established efficacy in diverse medical contexts, little research exists on its application for vasovagal syncope, a condition often intertwined with mental health challenges. Although vasovagal syncope is situated in the body and frequently comorbid with mental health struggles that impact physiological symptoms, treatment options remain solely in the medical model. This literature review seeks to address this lack of research and adequate treatment options by highlighting the body/mind connection and advocating for dance/movement therapy as a potential supplementary treatment for vasovagal syncope. The …

Climate Grief And Dance Movement Therapy: A Literature Review, Elisabeth Lovin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Research is starting to focus on the effects of climate change on mental health, especially future-oriented anxieties and uncertainty about our planet’s liveability. Less commonly discussed are feelings of grief for the climate-related losses we have already sustained. This thesis organizes current literature about climate grief and data about the psychosomatic effects of climate-related losses and examines general grief counseling research, as well as presenting applications of dance movement therapy for grief and loss. Cultural and historical gestures and movements of grieving bodies and portrayals of grief in dance history support the proposal that dance movement therapists are capable of …

Dance/ Movement Therapy As A Primary Therapeutic Intervention To Improve Social And Communication Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review, Allyssa Millar

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review examines dance movement therapy as an intervention to help children with autism spectrum disorder strengthen social and communication skills. Social barriers due to autism include taking turns, making decisions, participating in joint attention, recognizing emotions in others, and recognizing social cues. Communication skills in children with autism can vary from being unable to verbally express wants and needs to only utilizing gestures to communicate. Dance movement therapy uses the strengths of the children to help develop a communication system that can be understood by those around them. Research studies help to show that use of dance movement …

Dance/Movement Therapy Used As An Intervention To Heal Racial Trauma Within The Black Community: A Literature Review, Jennifer Noboise

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The history of dance within the black community has served an important role while living through a racist and discriminatory society. Dance has been used to express anger, grief, and joy during hardships and moments of rejoicing from the black experience. African American people have endured years of trauma and abuse from oppressive systems. Research has been conducted to demonstrate that dance/movement therapy has been effective in treating those who have experienced a form of trauma since the trauma is stored in the body. Examining trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, the research found these symptoms diminished …

The Potential Of Using Dance/Movement Therapy In Treating Depression In The Adult Population In Thailand: A Literature Review, Vararom Tavivoradilok

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent in Thailand, and while many depressive symptoms manifest through the physical body, there are few treatments for depression in Thailand that involve the physical body. Previous research suggests that Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) can effectively treat depression by incorporating the physical body and individuals’ embodied feelings into the treatment process. This literature review aims to explore the potential of incorporating DMT into the treatment for depression in the adult population in Thailand, by reviewing literature about DMT practice for depression and existing treatments for depression in Thailand. The findings suggest that while physical body incorporation …

Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy In Dance/Movement Therapy Education: Embodied Experiences Of Black, Indigenous, And Students Of Color, Chevon Stewart

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This study explored the embodied graduate educational experiences of dance/movement therapy students who were Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Eight research participants who were between the ages of 22 to 45 years old were recruited from American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) approved programs. Participants self-identified as Black/African American and Jamaican, Black/African American, Latinx/Brazilian, Asian/Chinese, Asian/Filipino, Asian/Chinese and Taiwanese American, and Asian/Chinese and White American. A qualitative research design based in phenomenology and arts-based methods grounded in anti-oppressive research were used. Two semistructured interviews and 1 week of embodied observation and journaling were part of data collection. Themes …

Parental Support, Dance/Movement Therapy, And Early Childhood Self-Regulation – A Literature Review, Yuliana Santos Pagan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Self-regulation is one of the main factors to contribute to successful social-emotional development during early childhood. Healthy attachment patterns between the parent/caregiver and child relationship, as well as safe and supportive environments in school contribute to children’s abilities to develop and learn to use self-regulating skills. This literature review explores the relationship dance/movement therapy has with the enhancement of parent-child relationships during early childhood, which is potentially contributing to the development of early childhood self-regulation. Using a citation chasing method, and research in online databases, inclusion criteria for resources consisted of peer reviewed quantitative, qualitative, arts-based, and mixed methods research …

Dance Movement Therapy For Neurological Development In Ages 0-3: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Anna Rupert

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The effects of movement on neurodevelopment have been studied by many in both the psychology and neuroscience fields. However, there is a lack of research into the specific ways in which movement is being used to affect neurodevelopment and which specific types of movement most benefit neurodevelopment. This study aims to bridge that gap in the literature by investigating how movement impacts neurological development in infants aged 0-3. Research was pulled from peer reviewed journals using Lesley Library, Syracuse University Library, and Google Scholar and synthesized into four key categories: neurodevelopment in infants aged 0-3, impacts of experience and culture …

Dance Movement Therapy Interventions To Build Coping Skills And Identity In Adolescent Patients Dealing With A Cancer Diagnosis: Development Of A Method, Ariel Hortin

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents are a special category in pediatric oncology because of their unique physical and mental development. This patient population has needs specific to both their development and cancer diagnosis. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) focuses on building awareness of inner sensations so that the patient can then connect those observations with felt emotions and thoughts. Connecting the physical experience with the emotional experience can provide helpful information for the patient as a tool for change. Building and strengthening relationships with family members also strengthens the critical support system for the patient. Dance Movement Therapy interventions may be effective in working with …

Dance Movement Therapy For Clients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Literature Review, Holly Inman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The overall focus of this thesis study is to take a closer look at how dance movement therapy could beneficially impact people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The literature reviewed focuses on the history of dance movement therapy along with several methods of the therapeutic practice, the beginning stages of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder re- search as well as the current treatment methods, and the current work being done with dance movement therapy and clients with this diagnosis. Many of the symptoms considered within this diagnosis are supported by the structure of dance movement therapy, serving as a beneficial …

The Implementation Of Mindfulness And Dance/Movement Therapy For Women With Postpartum Depression: A Literature Review, Angel Nga Ying Chan

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review discusses the impact and effectiveness of using mindfulness-based interventions and a dance/movement therapy approach on mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) to promote their holistic well-being. The experience of giving birth and the transition to motherhood can be rewarding and remarkable, yet challenging and overwhelming. It is widely suggested if a mother who suffers from postpartum depression is left untreated and unattended, the ongoing depression and emotional distress can have negative impacts on their child’s well-being and development. The practice of mindfulness with women with PPD is suggested to be significant in reducing depression and improving psychological well-being …

The Care And Keeping Of Therapeutic Connection In Telehealth: An Embodied Inquiry, Caitlyn Gilmore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This qualitative embodied artistic inquiry self-study, developed through my perspective as an emerging dance and movement therapist, explored the effects of using telehealth for therapy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The available literature discussed throughout this capstone thesis suggest that the adaptations made to therapy as a result of the pandemic affected the practices associated with dance and movement therapy’s theoretical principles of embodiment, attunement, and somatic countertransference. Because of the unknowns of COVID 19, research on mitigating the negative aspects of telehealth is still emerging, thus increasing my anxiety as an emerging professional. In order to address the anxiety …

A Literature Review On Dance Movement Therapy’S Effects On Masculinized Adolescents, Jennifer Tebeest

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is the psychotherapeutic use of movement to better understand the embodied stressors that affect one’s ability to express emotion. Studies of empathy, adolescence, and dance/movement therapy are of the most use in researching the connection between body-based therapies like dance/movement therapy, kinesthetic empathy (the body’s way of reading cues of others’), and the systemic construct of masculinity in adolescent males. While separate studies exist, there is little research or data on whether DMT theoretical frameworks can impact the minds of adolescent males who have been conditioned according to westernized male gender roles and whose empathic development has …

The Embodiment Of Attachment And Grief In Adolescents: A Literature Review, Kelsey Sawyer

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Previous research has indicated that the experience of grief can be embodied or experienced on a bodily level, just like the process of attachment during the formation of an attachment relationship. Therefore, when working with adolescents who have experienced the death of a parent/attachment figure, the body should be included in the therapeutic process. This literature review addresses the importance of the body within the development of attachment relationships, an adolescent’s grief process, and the therapeutic relationship through themes of attunement, kinesthetic empathy and awareness, and witnessing, all of which are elements of dance movement therapy. Research was conducted using …

A Dance/Movement Therapy Method For Improving Mood States Of Adolescent Girls In A Residential Treatment Center, Selena Coburn

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine dance/ movement therapy (DMT) sessions as a method of intervention, through observing with Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and Kestenberg Movement Profile (KMP) and recording shifting mood states in participants living in a residential treatment center. The participants are adolescent female clients age 13-17 years old. They have co-morbid diagnoses including depression, eating disorders, ADHD, histories of abuse and neglect, and oppositional defiant disorder. Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and verbal check-ins are used to determine mood states before, during, and after a DMT session. Data is collected via observations made using a designated …

Promoting Cultural Identity Through Dance/Movement Therapy With Immigrant Children, Karen Alejandra Salazar

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The present research project focuses on exploring how culture influences identity and how the development of a bicultural identity affects bicultural individuals. Having a multicultural or multiethnic identity could be a source of strength and/or confusion, bicultural individuals may have difficulties in identifying and sorting their group membership status and their cultural attitudes, values, perspectives, and behaviors (Navarrete & Jenkins, 2011). The present research proposes that dance movement therapy and the Expressive Therapies could serve as a means to allow individuals to explore and strengthen their cultural identity. A cultural identity workshop was implemented with second grade, English language learner, …

Adolescents, Empathy And Dance Movement Therapy, A Literature Review, Jessica Tokarchuk

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Aggression and violence among adolescents in the school setting has continued to increase in the past several years. Empathy is related to decreased aggression in adolescents. Teaching empathy and other prosocial skills in school has been shown to decrease aggression. Several researchers have presented curriculum and methods to teach these skills, however violence and aggression continue to occur at high rates in schools in America. Current methods used in schools in America need to be developed with different approaches. The development of a strong sense-of-self, self-esteem and emotion-regulation are needed to support the development of empathy. Secure attachments throughout …

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In Adults: Analysis Of Their Relationship In Treatment And How Dance Movement Therapy Can Play A Role, Meaghan Elizabeth Cleary

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The relationship between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can be dynamic and challenging within treatment when the content of the fear for each disorder is intertwined. To explore the nature of this clinical relationship, a dance movement therapy method was created and implemented at a residential psychiatric facility for treatment-resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Dance movement therapy was used to examine overlapping symptomology, treatment approaches, and potential benefits in treatment outcomes. Additionally, the research addressed the promotion of bodily awareness, integration of emotional and physical states, a decrease in hyperarousal and anxiety states, and an increase in openness and …

Effectiveness Of Dance Movement Therapy On The Quality Of Gait And Socialization Of Children With Cerebral Palsy, Ayşe Ni̇lgün Türkcan

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of dance movement therapy (DMT) on the quality of gait and socialization of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants (N=44) were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group based on their diagnoses of hemiplegic (n=22) or diplegic (n=21) CP, with one misdiagnosed. The subjects, aged six to 12 (M = 8.4) diagnosed level I or II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were from an outpatient rehabilitation center in Istanbul, Turkey. Measures of velocity, stride length and cadence were obtained by a registered physical therapist using …