Single-Session Dance/Movement Therapy for Thought and Behavioral Dysfunction Associated With Schizophrenia

Abstract

This purposes of this mixed methods feasibility study were to determine whether people with schizophrenia in an inpatient psychiatric facility were able to complete the research protocol, and to obtain preliminary treatment effects of a single-session dance/movement therapy (DMT) intervention versus verbal treatment as usual (TAU). Thirty-two participants were randomized to a 45-minute DMT or verbal TAU session. Data were collected quantitatively using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and qualitatively through open-ended interviews. Results indicated that participants in the DMT group had statistically significant symptom reduction compared with those in the TAU group in overall BPRS scores (effect size [ES] = 0.67), psychological discomfort (ES = 0.64), negative symptoms (ES = 0.67), and positive symptoms (ES = 0.55). No statistical significance was shown for resistance. Qualitative findings substantiate the quantitative findings, however, show divergence regarding resistance. Participants in the DMT group expressed feeling in control, less angry, and motivated for treatment.

Dance/movement therapy as a holistic approach to diminish health discrepancies and promote wellness for people with schizophrenia: a review of the literature

“…This is particularly pertinent based on the aforementioned stigmatization people with schizophrenia are faced with, contributing to disrupted interpersonal relationships. Both Biondo et al (2021) and Bryl et al (2020) reported an increase in self-awareness inclusive of mind-body awareness in these studies. Bryl et al (2020) conducted a mixed methods randomized controlled trial (N = 31) providing 20 group DMT sessions over 10 weeks.…”

“…Moreover, the nonverbal relationships possible through DMT can allow for increased joining and attuning with those who may have communication differences. These components of invitation for people with schizophrenia truly meet each participant where they are in their wellness process and destigmatize the diagnosis, allowing an authentic development of healthy ego, self-efficacy, and relationship (Biondo et al, 2021;Bryl & Biondo, 2022). This review seeks to highlight the disparities people with schizophrenia face regarding lack of accessible (Swildens et al, 2016) and quality health care (Moore et al, 2015;Sølvhøj et al, 2021), multifaceted forms of stigmatization they encounter (Ivanova, 2021;Kohn et al, 2022;Sølvhøj et al, 2021), and specific barriers they face regarding the bodily disruptions and dysregulations associated with their symptomatology (Biondo et al, 2021;Costantini et al, 2020;Torregrossa et al, 2022).…”

“…These components of invitation for people with schizophrenia truly meet each participant where they are in their wellness process and destigmatize the diagnosis, allowing an authentic development of healthy ego, self-efficacy, and relationship (Biondo et al, 2021;Bryl & Biondo, 2022). This review seeks to highlight the disparities people with schizophrenia face regarding lack of accessible (Swildens et al, 2016) and quality health care (Moore et al, 2015;Sølvhøj et al, 2021), multifaceted forms of stigmatization they encounter (Ivanova, 2021;Kohn et al, 2022;Sølvhøj et al, 2021), and specific barriers they face regarding the bodily disruptions and dysregulations associated with their symptomatology (Biondo et al, 2021;Costantini et al, 2020;Torregrossa et al, 2022). Dance/movement therapy is an intervention that can provide individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia an opportunity to participate in an embodied psychosocial treatment intervention that addresses these precise body-based needs, while simultaneously providing physical activation, emotional processing, mind-body connection, interpersonal relationships, and self-regulation.…”

“…Yes Are the conclusions drawn appropriate in the context of the current research literature? Introduction -I am not completely clear about the meaning of the sentence "Through a strengthsand body-based approach, dance/movement therapy (DMT) surpasses traditional verbal communication, establishing inclusion for many forms of preferred communication styles (Biondo et al, 2021)." especially for readers who may not have an understanding of DMT.…”

“…The inequities they face include both physical ( Moore et al , 2015 ; Sølvhøj et al ., 2021 ) and mental health care ( Alang, 2019 ; Ivanova, 2021 ; Metzl & Roberts, 2014 ; Rössler, 2016 ), and contribute to a decrease in general wellbeing and thus quality of life. People with schizophrenia have specific and additional needs due to their complicated symptomatology inclusive of body-based dysregulations ( Biondo et al ., 2021 ; Davis, 2019 ; Klaver & Dijkerman, 2016 ). Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a strengths- and body-based psychotherapeutic approach that uses dance, movement, and the body to support mind-body connection, emotional processing, and holistic wellness ( Levy, 1988 ).…”