Abstract
The research investigated the effectiveness of dance movement therapy (DMT) group in the treatment of adults with depression. In total, 157 participants were involved, of which 109 were randomized into DMT (n=52) or control group (n=57). The rest (n=48) participated in non-randomized groups. All participants had depression diagnosed by a doctor. The severity of depression was assessed to threaten the ability to work/study. All participants received treatment as usual during the research. The intervention was facilitated by a dance movement therapist and included 20x75min sessions within 10 weeks. Depressive symptoms (BDI), general mental condition (CORE-OM), ability to work/study, and body image were assessed at pre- and post-measurements, and 3-months follow-up.
The symptoms (BDI, CORE-OM) decreased and the ability to work/study improved significantly in the DMT group. No change was observed in the control group. Almost 45% of the participants in the DMT group benefited from the intervention. The between-group effect sizes were moderate (d = 0,58 – 0,72) at the follow-up. During the intervention-control phase no change was observed in the body image of the control group. The quantitative change in the body image score was statistically non-significant in the DMT group, but qualitative change was found.
The qualitative analysis of the body image of all participants in the treatment phase revealed the participants had low energy, discomfort in the body, concern of others’ opinions of their actions and body. The appearance and agency of the body were experienced as poor. Participants preferred not to sense, what happens in the body. In the 3-months follow-up, the participants expressed a more observing attitude towards one-self and the body, explorations of new activities, more acceptance, neutrality, and compassion.
The results indicate the positive outcome of the DMT-group intervention remained over the 3-months follow-up period.
The symptoms (BDI, CORE-OM) decreased and the ability to work/study improved significantly in the DMT group. No change was observed in the control group. Almost 45% of the participants in the DMT group benefited from the intervention. The between-group effect sizes were moderate (d = 0,58 – 0,72) at the follow-up. During the intervention-control phase no change was observed in the body image of the control group. The quantitative change in the body image score was statistically non-significant in the DMT group, but qualitative change was found.
The qualitative analysis of the body image of all participants in the treatment phase revealed the participants had low energy, discomfort in the body, concern of others’ opinions of their actions and body. The appearance and agency of the body were experienced as poor. Participants preferred not to sense, what happens in the body. In the 3-months follow-up, the participants expressed a more observing attitude towards one-self and the body, explorations of new activities, more acceptance, neutrality, and compassion.
The results indicate the positive outcome of the DMT-group intervention remained over the 3-months follow-up period.
| Translated title of the contribution | Dance Movement Therapy group intervention in the treatment of depression: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Original language | Finnish |
| Place of Publication | Helsinki |
| Publisher | Kansaneläkelaitos KELA |
| Number of pages | 69 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-952-284-114-8 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-952-284-113-1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |
| Publication type | C1 Scientific book |
Publication series
| Name | SOSIAALI- JA TERVEYSTURVAN TUTKIMUKSIA |
|---|---|
| Volume | 157 |
| ISSN (Print) | 1238-5050 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2323-7724 |
Keywords
- depression
- dance movement therapy
- rehabilitation
- body image
- group therapy
Publication forum classification
- Publication forum level 1