Contemporary dance intervention in mild-to-moderate depression: A pilot study

Author:Pohjola, Hanna; Ratinen, Maija K.; Hanninen, Vilma; Kauhanen, Jussi; Lehto, Soili M.

Article Title:Contemporary dance intervention in mild-to-moderate depression: A pilot study

Abstract:
This article describes a contemporary dance intervention among psychiatric outpatients with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate depression. Five females participated in a pilot intervention, which was carried out twice a week over four consecutive weeks. During the intervention, the participants kept diaries about their personal experiences. The diaries were assessed using thematic content analysis. The dancing experience involved a combination of three elements: music, movement and creativity connected to the body. The qualitative findings were tentatively associated with positive mood over the short term. The participants experienced periods of relaxation, self-examination and elevated self-esteem during the session. Diary entries indicated that participating in contemporary dance may reduce mental anxiety and physical tension, and provide at least short-term symptomatic relief. Thus, participation in contemporary dance may be beneficial in the process of recovery from depression.

Keywords:  depression; contemporary dance; intervention; mood; qualitative research; agency

DOI: 10.1386/jdsp_00002_1

Source:JOURNAL OF DANCE & SOMATIC PRACTICES

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