Stress, Emotions, and Motivational States Among Traditional Dancers in New Zealand and Japan

Abstract

This study used a reversal theory framework to examine motivational dominance and changes in motivational state, arousal, stress, and emotions among members of traditional Japanese (Nihon Odori Sports Science (NOSS)) and New Zealand (Kapa Haka) dance groups. Eighty-four participants (50 in Japan and 34 in New Zealand) completed questionnaires on each variable before and after a dance class. The findings indicated that the Kapa Haka dancers were significantly more playful and arousal-seeking than the NOSS dancers. They also reported higher overall arousal, preferred arousal, and effort during performance while the NOSS dancers became more serious afterward. Data on emotions matched those of arousal in that the Kapa Haka dancers felt significantly more excited and provocative after the session. The NOSS dancers were more relaxed and placid, both overall and after dancing. These patterns were consistent with the dancers' respective motivational states and motivational dominance, and suggest that both dances can be effective in reducing negative affect. They also suggest that psychological effects are dependent upon performers' personal and cultural affiliation with the two dance forms.

Comparison of metamotivational dominance and cultural identity between Japanese National Team and Māori All Blacks rugby players

“…This contrasts with the study by Kerr, where no significant differences in metamotivational dominance between competitive rugby players from Australia, Canada, England, and Wales were found. The significant difference between the two groups is similar to the findings of a study by Kuroda et al (2017) in which Māori Kapa Haka (traditional dance troupe) participants were significantly more paratelic dominant than Japanese dance exercise participants (using traditional Japanese dance movements). Therefore, the differences between the two teams resulted from cultural differences rather than participation level, since elite athletes overall are thought to be telic dominant ( Kerr, 1987 ; Kerr and van Lienden, 1987 ; Svebak and Kerr, 1989 ).…”

“…Are there consistencies in metamotivational dominance across different sport codes (e.g., rugby, J-League, soccer and softball)? The research by Kuroda et al (2017) suggests that this may be the case. Within New Zealand, what is the possible relationship between cultural identity and metamotivational dominance across national rugby teams such as the All Blacks (national men’s team), Black Ferns (national women’s team) and the national rugby sevens teams (men’s and women’s)?…”

“…The PDS consists of 30 items written in a true/false answer format and has three subscales (10 items each); playfulness (e.g., “If I have extra time, I prefer to spend it accomplishing something important.”), spontaneity (e.g., “I usually make decisions based on my long-term goals.”) and arousal-seeking (e.g., “I like being in unpredictable situations.”). The PDS is used frequently to measure individuals’ metamotivational dominance ( Bindarwish and Tenenbaum, 2006 ; Kuroda et al, 2017 ; Thatcher et al, 2011 ). The alpha coefficient for odd-numbered items in the study by Cook and Gerkovich (1993) was 0.87 and for even-numbered items was 0.86.…”

Ka Mate: A commodity to trade or taonga to treasure?

“…His wero calls for others to perform it with respect, as the continuity of traditional rituals becomes increasingly valued but still threatened in contemporary Mäori and New Zealand society (Kuroda, Geisler, Morel, & Hapeta, 2017;Muriwai et al, 2015). Kuroda et al (2017) and Muriwai et al (2015), for instance, posit that strong cultural roots and a secure cultural identity are central to holistic wellbeing, and that the respectful treatment of taonga tuku iho such as haka plays a role in this.…”

“…His wero calls for others to perform it with respect, as the continuity of traditional rituals becomes increasingly valued but still threatened in contemporary Mäori and New Zealand society (Kuroda, Geisler, Morel, & Hapeta, 2017;Muriwai et al, 2015). Kuroda et al (2017) and Muriwai et al (2015), for instance, posit that strong cultural roots and a secure cultural identity are central to holistic wellbeing, and that the respectful treatment of taonga tuku iho such as haka plays a role in this. This pükenga believed, however, that the exemplar global media strategies presented to him as part of this study undermine the wellbeing that Mäori could gain from seeing their taonga on the world stage: "The commercialisation of Mäoritanga, including the haka, in that way ['Hakarena'] is abhorrent and manifestly unjust and is in need of a watchdog to monitor these and further developments."…”