A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Findings About Dance/Movement Therapy for Individuals With Trauma

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of using dance/movement therapy is being increasingly recognized. Preliminary interdisciplinary research findings suggest engaging the body in trauma treatment might reduce the length of treatment by addressing the connections among thoughts, feelings, neurobiology, and somatic responses in the survivor. Unfortunately, empirical research investigating its effectiveness as a psychotherapeutic intervention has been limited due to the lack of a clear manual for mental health care practitioners. The present study aims to synthesize findings from the existing qualitative literature in a qualitative meta-synthesis. Our findings will contribute to the development of a body-oriented intervention for mental health care practitioners to use for trauma.

“In the Sport I Am Here”: Therapeutic Processes and Health Effects of Sport and Exercise on PTSD

“…The scientific literature on physical activity and body-related work with traumatized refugees, torture and war survivors is scarce and at the same time diverse, coming from a wide range of disciplines and therapeutic orientations, including sport and exercise therapy; yoga, qigong, and t’ai chi; dance movement therapy (DMT), psychomotor therapy, play therapy, creative and art therapies; integrative and concentrative movement psychotherapy; and other body- and movement-orientated psychotherapeutic approaches (cf. Levine & Land, 2016 ; Ley & Rato Barrio, in press ). More research has been conducted on the effects of physical exercise on a wider range of individuals diagnosed with PTSD, including combat veterans and individuals suffering from other traumatic events, for example, the sudden death of a person close to them, a severe accident, or the diagnosis of an illness or disability.…”

“… Caddick and Smith (2014) highlighted in a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies the various outcomes of sport and physical activity on the well-being of combat veterans in the aftermath of physical and/or psychological combat trauma and PTSD, including active coping and doing things again (after inactivity), a focus shift on abilities, positive affective experience, improved quality of life, increased determination and inner strength, a sense of achievement or accomplishment, social well-being, and a source of motivation for living . Similarly, Levine and Land (2016) presented a meta-synthesis of qualitative findings, including nine studies on DMT for individuals with trauma. In contrast to sport and exercise therapy, DMT uses the body and movement within a psychotherapeutic approach.…”

“…Four crucial themes were concluded: (a) creating awareness of the mind-body connection; (b) increasing the range of movement (for the purpose of efficacy, empowerment, and reclaiming the body); (c) creating a new and healthy relationship with the self, therapist, or group through the movement process; and (d) creating a new and healthy relationship with movement. ( Levine & Land, 2016 , p. 14) …”

“…Furthermore, exercise might produce bodily sensations, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension or pain, sweating or shortness of breath that are also associated with previous traumatic events or distress. In that regard, dropping out or physical inactivity can be seen as avoidance behavior, that is, to avoid feared bodily sensations ( Levine & Land, 2016 ). Assis et al (2008) argued that “subjects diagnosed with PTSD stop participating in society and no longer take part in activities they used to enjoy; this inaction may lead to depression and social isolation” (p. 476).…”

“…There is a need to understand holistically and in-depth how sport and exercise should be facilitated to meet individual and collective needs, which precautions are to be considered, how potential benefits toward recovery can be gained, and which processes relate to which effects (cf. Caddick & Smith, 2014 ; Day & Wadey, 2016 ; Fetzner & Asmundson, 2015 ; Levine & Land, 2016 ). Understanding these issues would increase the possibility of effectively and adequately planning and implementing sport and exercise programs in this population.…”