Utilizing Dance/movement Therapy to Holistically Improve Wellness

Brittany HillPsychology

Objectives

• Holistic Treatment• Lack of Physical Intervention• Integrating practices• Application to Education

Holistic Treatment• Through the movement of mind and body in a creative way, stress and

anxiety can be relieved, and other health benefits can be achieved as well (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).

• Stuckey & Nobel conducted a literary review of 4 methods of creative therapies music, visual arts, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing.

• “Despite methodological and other limitations, the studies included in our review appear to indicate that creative engagement can decrease anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances” (p. 261).

• They also determined that within each of the 4 categories presented, there was relatively clear evidence that artistic engagement has significantly positive effects on health.

Lack of Physical Intervention

• Clark (2011) did a literary review on the lack of health sustaining treatment that those with Down syndrome receive.

• “Adults with Down syndrome encounter a new set of challenges with age, such as memory problems, a decline in vision and hearing, thyroid dysfunction, a decreased cardiovascular capacity, obesity, osteoporosis, and depression” (pg. 37).

• She also summarized that combining physical therapy exercises with music and dance technique makes therapy more stimulating for the children, while creating healthier movement patterns.

Integrating practices

• Yoga is another form of holistic treatment that is being practiced in the mental health field.

• Rosenblatt et al. (2011) carried out a study fusing yoga, dance, and music therapies holistically treat the functioning of children with Autism and found a positive impact on behavioral and cognitive symptoms.

• Yoga's traditional knowledge concerns physiological and psychological processes that change physiological parameters through respiratory manipulation (breathing technique), postures (asanas), and cognitive controls (relaxation and meditation) (Radhakrishna, et al., 2010).

Application to Education

• The school is the stronghold of the culture of education (Wengrower, 2001).

• Wengrower conducted a literary analysis of studies that applied art therapies in educational setting and more specifically how to using these forms of therapy can enhance the intercultural experience of the students.

Overview

Integrating this treatment into the education system will support students with disabilities by creating

engaging courses that will stimulate their cognitions and improve their physical health. Conducting this

research will spread awareness of dance/movement therapy existence and assist the progression of holistic therapies in mental health practicing. I also hope that

this study will generate the continuation of research on this topic to develop a better comprehension of its the

advantages.

Research Prospectus

http://302sspring2013.pbworks.com/w/page/65947039/Final%20Draft%20of%20Research%20Prospectus%20for%20Brittany%20Hill