Dance movement therapy group improves social functioning and increases positive embodied experiences in social situations

Abstract This Finnish study examined the impacts of a group-form dance movement therapy intervention on the social functioning, attachment styles, and embodied experiences during social situations of its participants. The sample consisted of Finnish working-age adults with diagnosed depression who were randomised into intervention and control groups. Participants responded to surveys at three measurement points: pre- and post-intervention, and a follow-up 3 months later. The quantitative results showed that social functioning increased in the intervention group between the pre-intervention and follow-up measurement points but there was no change in attachment styles. The embodied experiences of participants during social situations were analysed qualitatively. The prevalence of avoidant reactions and insecurity decreased between the pre-intervention and follow-up measurement points. This study deepens understanding of the embodied experiences depression sufferers encounter in social situations, and provides insight into the ways in which dance movement therapy may be effective in decreasing depressive symptoms.