Dance Movement

Therapy as Prevention
Lindsey Sharp
Introduction and Defining Terms

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is defined by the American Dance

Therapy Association as The psychotherapeutic use of movement to further
the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual
DMT is growing in popularity, especially in schools and treatment centers
around the country for various ages
The practice typically involves simple, but creative movement tailored
toward non-dancers
Often used as an intervention for mental health conditions, aging-related
conditions, and to instill stability in young minds and bodies
Purpose and Problem

Could DMT be utilized as a preventive measure in addition to or instead of a

treatment option?
Are there specific issues that could be targeted by DMT in schools?
I would like to examine existing literature to see whether or not DMT could
plausibly be used in school or community settings as prevention for future
mental health issues, as well as a fun way to build community and get some
physical activity into daily life for any community member
DMT has been found to be effective on various populations, so I would like
to redirect the studies toward prevention for specific ages to help fuel future
research and implementation
Hypothesis and Methods

Dance Movement Therapy can be used as a preventive measure for mental

health issues including depression and anxiety disorders, as well as
promote physical activity when implemented in school systems starting at a
young age.
Survey?
Literature Review
Searching for evidence of existing DMT programs I might be able to contact/read about
Cross-examination of pre-existing studies on this subject
Delimitations and Limitations
I will be narrowing this study to work done in the past fifty years
I will either be focusing on children/adolescents or the elderly
I will be trying to keep my research based in the US, unless deliberately
comparing systems utilized in other countries
This study may be limited by my lack of ability to implement and test my own
intervention
If I create a survey there is always the possibility of survey or volunteer bias,
as well as the fact I will probably only get to survey very limited populations
This will not allow my research to be very generalizable
My own personal involvement in the dance world will also present a certain
level of bias
Citations
Acolin, Jessica. The MindBody Connection in Dance/Movement Therapy: Theory and Empirical Support. American Journal of
Dance Therapy, vol. 38, 26 Aug. 2016, pp. 311333., doi:10.1007/s10465-016-9222-4.

Adam, Dina, Ayiesah Ramli, and Suzana Shahar. "Effectiveness of a Combined Dance and Relaxation Intervention on Reducing
Anxiety and Depression and Improving Quality of Life Among the Cognitively Impaired Elderly." Sultan Qaboos University Medical
Journal 16.1 (2016): 47-53. Web. 15 July 2017.

American Dance Therapy Association. ADTA. N.P., n.d. Web, 9 Aug. 2017. <https://adta.org/>

Holyoake, Dean-David, and Reyner, Charlotte. Moving Body and Mind. Paediatric Nursing 17.4 (2005): 36-40. Academic Search
Premier [EBSCO]. Web. 10 July 2017.

Lobo, Yovanka B., and Adam Winsler. "The Effects of a Creative Dance and Movement Program on the Social Competence of Head
Start Preschoolers."Social Development 15.3 (2006): 501-19. Web. 12 July 2017.

Zarobe, Leyre, and Bungay, Hillary. "The Role of Arts Activities in Developing Resilience and Mental Wellbeing in Children and
Young People in a Rapid Review of Literature." Perspectives in Public Health 20.10 (2017): 1-11. Web. 19 June 2017.