The Effects of Dance/Movement Therapy on Treatment and Medication Compliance for Individuals Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: A Literature Review

With a high prevalence of non-medication compliance in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and a wide range of side effects from administered antipsychotics, it is imperative that the field of dance/movement therapy advocates for the implementation of dance/movement therapy in the treatment for this population. This literature review addressed the gap in dance/movement therapy research on the use of dance/movement therapy to reduce antipsychotic medication side effects and increase medication compliance. The multiple challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were explored such as, stigmatization, the wide range of possible symptoms, poor insight, and movement dysfunctions. Side effects affecting cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning were also clarified. In addition, literature on the therapeutic relationship between dance/movement therapist and patient, body awareness, mind and body connection, physical activity, self-expression, and many other dance/movement therapy techniques were examined, followed by a review of dance/movement therapy literature with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Dance/movement therapy has the potential to increase bodily awareness by providing the individual with insight into their medication side effects and reduce debilitating medication effects on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Although limited research includes dance/movement therapy as a complementary form of treatment to increase medication compliance in individual diagnosed with schizophrenia, dance/movement therapy has shown to improve cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning in a variety of ways

Dance Movement Therapy for Clients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Literature Review

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 therapeutic tool

Mitigating Loss, Discrimination, And Acculturation: Supporting Long-Term Immigrants Through Dance/Movement Therapy, A Literature Review

With a growing population of immigrants and a rise in anti-immigration policies and sentiments that have longstanding mental health consequences, it is imperative that the field of dance/movement therapy meets the growing needs of long-term immigrants in the U.S. This literature review addressed the gap in dance/movement therapy research on the use of dance/movement therapy to support the post-migration, long-term mental health needs of immigrants residing in the U.S. Themes of loss, discrimination, and acculturation and identity as the prevailing long-term effects of the post-migration experience in the U.S. were explored. In addition, literature on multicultural and anti-oppressive uses of dance/movement therapy were examined, followed by a review of expressive arts therapy literature with migrant populations. Next, dance/movement therapy literature with migrants, often concerning recently-arrived refugees coping with trauma, was examined. Finally, I proposed a case for the potential utility of dance/movement therapy to address the mental health needs of long-term immigrants in the U.S. Particularly, due to its capacity to build resilience, body awareness, and community through culturally relevant applications. Recommendations for further research included investigating the effectiveness of dance/movement therapy with long-term immigrants in the U.S., and particularly, how it might serve to mitigate and protect against the mental health effects of loss, discrimination, and acculturation

Friendship and Dance/Movement Therapy with Adults with Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this research study was to understand the role and impact of dance/movement therapy on friendships between adults with developmental disabilities. The primary question this study answered was: how does dance/movement therapy contribute to the formation and maintenance of friendships between adults with developmental disabilities? This study followed the single instrumental qualitative case study methodology and involved adult participants with developmental disabilities who were part of a day services program. The data were collected in the form of a research journal documenting signs of friendship during the sessions and interviews with group participants. The data were analyzed using sequential analysis, and themes identified as contributing to friendship development and maintenance included facilitating social connection, initiation, conflict resolution, a sense of belonging, and a shared positive experience. These themes with their explicit connection to dance/movement therapy provide an enriched understanding of the integral and unique role of dance/movement therapy in the development and maintenance of friendships. The dance/movement therapy interventions and concepts that are involved in the themes set dance/movement therapy apart from other therapeutic interventions for friendship development and maintenance for adults with developmental disabilities

If I can\u27t dance to it, it isn\u27t my revolution: The Intersection of Feminist Theory & Dance/Movement Therapy

Feminism is a social, cultural, and political movement and set of theories which highlight the impact of gender inequality in order to push for equal rights in all spheres. Dance/movement therapy is a method of psychotherapy which utilizes movement rather than verbal language to identify and process emotional material, centering the lived, embodied experience of the client. Both dance/movement therapy as a practice and profession and feminism as a movement and ideology have faced difficulties in being recognized as legitimate, worthwhile areas of focus, and they have also faced similar challenges in embracing diversity and inclusion. The ideological similarities between feminist theory and the theories supporting dance/movement therapy lend themselves to further investigation and incorporation, as both the feminist movement and the practice of dance/movement therapy necessarily evolve to stay both socially and culturally relevant and effectual in the promotion of positive change. By looking to the history of both the American feminist movement and the establishment of dance/movement therapy in America, practitioners of dance/movement therapy can gain valuable perspective on where we have come from, and insight into where we might yet journey to

Pengaruh Dance Movement Therapy terhadap Perubahan Tekanan Darah pada Lansia Hipertensi

This study aims to determine the effect of dance movement therapy on changes in blood pressure in hypertensive elderly. The research design used a quasi-experimental pre-post control group. The results showed a significant difference in changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after being given dance movement therapy (t = 2.781, p = 0.013), t = 2.465, p = 0.025), as well as changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention at control group (t = 1.458, p = 0.163), t = 0.606, p = 0.552). In conclusion, dance movement therapy can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Keywords: Dance Movement Therapy, Primary Hypertension, Blood Pressur

Examining the Impact of DMT with African American Families Affected by Trauma: A Literature Review

Although there is limited research in the dance movement therapy community regarding this population, dance movement therapy is slowly finding itself to be an effective intervention to help African Americans heal from trauma. Through the research I was able to discover if dance movement therapy could have a positive healing impact on this specific population. Many studies looked at exploring dance movement therapy interventions with youth and families as well as the impact of facilitating dance movement therapy groups with youth, while incorporating DMT interventions to help heal trauma. Through all of these interventions these studies used dance movement therapy to evaluate trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anger. These DMT interventions were reported to be successful in the process of reducing stigma, reintegrating into the community and reducing these trauma symptoms. This shows that when these approaches are introduced in these communities, they are found to be impactful both psychologically and physically after a traumatic event. Dance as an intervention has been used for many years with the African American population and has helped them through traumas dating back in history to the times of slavery, and still through modern traumas today. This is valuable when looking at this community through the lens of dance movement therapy. This literature review helps in providing more research to the population of African Americans in this field where there is not much research

Dance/Movement Therapy Combined with Tai-chi as a Regulation Strategy for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: Developing a Method

This capstone thesis examines the question of how dance/movement therapy can be combined with tai-chi to support the emotional regulation of children who have experienced trauma. The paper examines a possible method that combines dance/movement therapy with tai-chi, grounded in the theories of Trudi Schoop. It highlights the application of tai-chi as a movement intervention that impacts participants ability to engage in treatment. Through the literature it was found that dance/movement therapy techniques of deep breathing, balance, and slow, rhythmic movements can impact emotional regulation. In combination with dance/movement therapy and tai-chi principles of internal awareness, body alignment, and weight control a method was developed. There were seven participants who engaged with the method. Through the development of the method, dance/movement therapy when combined with tai-chi was found to have an impact on participants ability to regulate and engage in treatment

Connecting the Dots: Positive Effect of Dance Movement Therapy with Immigrant Children; A Literature Review

Growing data recommends dance/movement therapy as a promising approach for documented immigrant children’s mental health. I was a documented immigrant when I was 12 years old, and dance as therapy supported me emotionally and behaviorally. This paper mainly focuses on documented immigrant children with dance/movement therapy. This paper touches on various categories of refugees and undocumented immigrants, though insights into the lives of undocumented immigrants was also added to better understand the challenges they experience in general, including mental health issues. Immigrant children face challenges in every aspect of their life, such as adjusting in their new country, peer relationships, language barriers, and conflict with their family. These struggles may lead to emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, isolation, and low self-esteem. Overall, dance/movement therapy could be a powerful tool to support immigrant children’s mental health and behavioral difficulties. However, there is a limited amount of research about immigrant children with dance/movement therapy, therefore this literature review may act as a foundation for future studies. I found that dance/movement therapy was helpful in getting children adjusted to their new environment. Not only did dance/movement therapy help immigrant children acclimate to their new country, but it improved their overall mental and emotional well-being

Embodied Medicine: Integrating Dance/Movement Therapy into Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a field of medicine that addresses a variety of disorders impacting the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and bones. When approaching patient care, the goals of dance/movement therapists are similar to those of physiatrists, because both strive for a holistic approach to treatment that considers more than just physical ailments. Adding dance/movement therapy sessions in parallel with PM&R services would enhance the overall patient experience and quality of life. Previous studies that explore the use of dance/movement therapy with various neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases, and sustained injuries are reviewed for potential application in PM&R settings. The benefits of dance/movement therapy for patient autonomy and body image are discussed, along with the inclusion of music and rhythm for emotional expression. This includes the delineation of prospective dance/movement therapy interventions and techniques for treating neurodegenerative diseases, neuromuscular diseases and sustained injuries in parallel with PM&R treatment. Future research should explore the quantitative impacts of dance/movement therapy on rehabilitation outcome measures, as well as the qualitative impacts of dance/movement therapy on patients’ mental and emotional welfare while undergoing PM&R treatment. The tailored integration of emotional, social, and cognitive therapeutic interventions directly alongside physical rehabilitation supports the healing process from multiple angles, which can promote better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Overall, physiatry and dance/movement therapy have separately helped so many people but developing a synergy between these fields has the potential to transform rehabilitative medicine