The effect of touch on affect, stress, sense of connectedness and sense of self: An experimental study on contact improvisation dance

IF 1.5 3区心理学 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Arts in Psychotherapy Pub Date : 2025-03-03 DOI:10.1016/j.aip.2025.102272

Ariane Puhr , Wim Waterink , Susan van Hooren

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Touch is a powerful tool in human communication, enhancing our ability to connect with others. Touch is used in a number of dance forms, and of these Contact Improvisation (CI) is the one in which touch is used most intensively. Studying CI can contribute insights about the added value of touch for the well-being of people. This quantitative study investigated the effects of touch in contact improvisation (CI). We used a within-subject design, in which 15 male and 33 female participants (mean age = 50.15) danced in two conditions with randomized cross-over: dance improvisation without touch (DI) and contact improvisation with touch and sharing weight (CI). The effects on individuals were measured using the positive items of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-p) and visual analogue scales on happiness, stress, sense of connectedness, and sense of self. Our results show that both CI and DI conditions led to a reduction in stress, but dancing CI activated more positive affect, and contributed more strongly to an increase in sense of connectedness and sense of self than DI. These results indicate that dancing CI may contribute to the well-being of non-professional dancers through the intensive use of touch.

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来源期刊

Arts in Psychotherapy Multiple-

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

11.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Arts in Psychotherapy is a dynamic, contemporary journal publishing evidence-based research, expert opinion, theoretical positions, and case material on a wide range of topics intersecting the fields of mental health and creative arts therapies. It is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing 5 issues annually. Papers are welcomed from researchers and practitioners in the fields of art, dance/movement, drama, music, and poetry psychotherapy, as well as expressive and creative arts therapy, neuroscience, psychiatry, education, allied health, and psychology that aim to engage high level theoretical concepts with the rigor of professional practice. The journal welcomes contributions that present new and emergent knowledge about the role of the arts in healthcare, and engage a critical discourse relevant to an international readership that can inform the development of new services and the refinement of existing policies and practices. There is no restriction on research methods and review papers are welcome. From time to time the journal publishes special issues on topics warranting a distinctive focus relevant to the stated goals and scope of the publication.