Reliability and short version of the Dunphy Outcomes Framework (DOF): Integrating the art and science of dance movement therapy

There is an increasing requirement of evidence-based outcome frameworks in the health sciences. This article presents the Dunphy Outcomes Framework (DOF) for dance movement therapy (DMT), the first generic outcomes framework for DMT. The framework is posited to measure outcomes intrinsic to DMT, and comprehensive for all client groups and contexts. It is therefore suggested as suitable for assessment of DMT interventions and clients’ progress. The DOF comprises six domains (physical, cultural, cognitive, emotional, social and integration), further divided into sub-domains and objectives. Informed by theory and evidence, both from published research and professional practice, the DOF has been developed through an extensive Delphi-like consultation process. The article presents the DOF and data on its reliability and validity. Reliability testing confirmed the factor structure of the original DOF with very good scale homogeneity and excellent interrater-reliability. Heuristically based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis that yielded six dimensions – five corresponding to the original DOF domains, with a slightly different weight of factors – a short version of the DOF (DOF-BREVE) is proposed. Benefits and limitations of the DOF as an assessment tool for the profession of DMT and creative arts therapies are discussed.