Exploring a Dance/Movement Program on Mental Health and Well-Being in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic

Abstract

AimsThe aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and benefits of a 12-session dance/movement program for intimate partner violence survivors' mental health and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The specific purposes were fourfold: (1) To determine the feasibility of delivering a virtual dance/movement workshop program; (2) to examine the effects of the program on symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress; (3) to determine whether heart rate variability improves; and (4) to describe the individual and shared experiences of a subgroup of participants of the program.MethodsForty-five women ages 23–48 years were randomized to a 12-session virtual creative dance/movement program or a usual care control group, and completed questionnaires about PTSD and mental health symptoms, general health, physical activity, and underwent a brief measurement of heart rate variability. A subset of the intervention group participated in a semi-structured focus group.ResultsThe results of the study showed that the female survivors of intimate partner violence who participated in the virtual workshops felt better, and they experienced improved affect and reduced tension. They found new ways to express themselves, attune to their bodies, learn new self-care habits, and build community as they engaged in the workshops. Over the course of the study, the participants' symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress lessened. There were no changes in heart rate variability.ConclusionsThis complex study was successfully completed during a global pandemic and resulted in improvements in some mental health symptoms and overall well-being. Given the importance of this work with intimate partner violence survivors, further work exploring dance/movement workshops for participants virtually and in-person is needed.

Impact of dance therapy on adults with psychological trauma: a systematic review

“…A systematic review (Lee et al, 2022 ) and several qualitative studies particularly identified an improvement in an emotional state, a better recognition of emotions, a better focus on emotions, an improvement in emotional release, and the development of kinesthetic empathy (to feel in one’s own body the movement of the other) (Fargnoli, 2017 ; Ley et al, 2017 ; Moe, 2014 ; Schaeffer & Cornelius-White, 2021 ). A longitudinal cohort study (associated with a RCT studying other dimensions) supported these results, through measurement of the affective valence of 25 women before and after participating in 12 virtual sessions of a creative dance/movement programme ( t (22) = −2.187, p = .04, d = 2.426) (Özümerzifon et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Selected studies suggested that DT improves the sensory-motor perceptions of individuals suffering from psychological trauma. Qualitative studies pointed to an improved body awareness and the emergence of a mind–body connection through the sensory experience of movement, rhythm, and relaxation (Fargnoli, 2017 ; Levine & Land, 2016 ; Moe, 2014 ; Özümerzifon et al, 2022 ; Schaeffer & Cornelius-White, 2021 ; Verreault, 2017 ). Also, as demonstrated by an experimental quantitative study using one Flamenco session, the intervention needs to be long enough to produce a change in physical skills, body self-efficacy, or perceived level of fitness (Koch et al, 2019 ).…”

“… Good Koch & Weidinger-von der Recke ( 2009 ) Not adequate - Diagnostic tests and assessments are not clearly described in the method and results. - The post-intervention clinical condition is not clearly described Fair Lee et al ( 2022 ) No bias No bias Good Özümerzifon et al ( 2022 ) - It is unclear if all participants that met inclusion criteria are enrolled - The sample size is too small to provide confidence in the findings - People assessing the outcomes are not blinded to the participants’ exposure - It is unclear if the loss to follow-up is accounted for in the analysis - No multiple measurements before and after the intervention No bias Average Schaeffer & Cornelius-White ( 2021 ) - No bias assessment was conducted before including the publications Good Colace ( 2017 ) - Study question and objective are not clearly stated - The intervention is not clearly described - The outcome measures are not clearly defined - No length of follow-up was mentioned - The results are not well-described - The current clinical condition of the patient is not clearly described - No diagnostic tests or assessment methods, no clear description of the results - Interventions or treatment procedures are not clearly described Poor Dunphy, Elton, & Jordan ( 2014 ) - The population is not specified and defined - Eclectic population (not similar), no inclusion nor exclusion criteria - No mention of the exact sample size - No justification for the sample size - No data analysis - The timeframe is non-sufficient to establish an association between exposure and outcome. - No variation in exposure - The exposure measures are not defined - Exposure was assessed once, at the end of the session - Outcome assessors were not blinded to the exposure status of participants - Potential confounding variables are not measured - The congruity between the research methodology and the research question is unclear.…”

“… Dance/movement therapist Dance therapist Facilitators of dance as therapy Therapeutic Dance positively affects participants’: - emotional states, as it improves self-awareness of emotion, expression of emotions, and regulation of emotions - relational lives, as it improves boundary formation, and experience of interpersonal relationships - perception of self, as it improves the sense of safety and freedom, body awareness and body image, gives a positive future orientation, and favours self-empowerment. Özümerzifon et al ( 2022 ) Randomized control trial & Qualitative investigation 12 virtual sessions of creative dance/movement program (90 min, twice a week for 6 weeks), and usual care for group control. Pre- and post-intervention surveys, self-administratered electronically.…”

Expanding the social cure: a mixed-methods approach exploring the role of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16–24) living with anxiety

“…For example, after a single session for adults, increases in positive affect, self-esteem, social connectedness, and community connectedness were found, as well as decreases in negative affect and depressive symptoms ( Humphries et al, 2023 ). A 12-session dance program for intimate partner violence survivors’ mental health found some evidence of a reduction in distress ( Özümerzifon et al, 2022 ). Whereas a 5–10 min activity of online physical movement (including ballroom dancing and endurance exercises) or creative writing before classes found no effects on depression, mood, stress, or quality of life across a semester ( Marschin and Herbert, 2021 ).…”