Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-193).

The intent of this study was to use an experimental model to investigate the use of dance training for improving the self-esteem of women over the age of 35. Sixteen women over the age of 35 were taught jazz dance over a 10 week period. A pre and post test of the Tennessee Self Concept Scale was used on both a dance group and a no dance group. It was hypothesized there would be positive changes in three of the 10 scores in the TSCS for the dance group, but not for the no dance group. The scores predicted to were Physical Self, Personal Self, Self Satisfaction. Analysis of covariance confirmed change in the Physical and Personal scores for the dance group but no change in the Self Satisfaction score. Behavioral Self and Total P scores also changed for the dance group.

Thesis (M. A.) (Hons) -- University of Western Sydney, 2003. / A thesis submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Hons) (Contemporary Arts) at University of Western Sydney. Includes bibliographical references and appendices.

Thesis (M.F.A.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Theatre. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-54). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR29548

Thesis (M.F.A.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Theatre. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-61). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR31985

M.A. / Although there are approximately 40 million people in the world infected with AIDS, 4.7 million of whom live in South Africa, very little research concerning non-medical modes of treatment has been conducted in South Africa. The use of antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS recently came under the spotlight when AIDS dissident Robert Giraldo argued that antiretroviral drugs induce rather than treat AIDS. Extensive research concerning medical interventions for AIDS has been conducted, but to date the field of psychoneuroimmunology and it’s principles have been left largely unexplored in the South African context. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of mind-body medicine that examines the relationship between the mind, the emotions and the body. Mind-body medicine is based on the premise that mental and emotional processes can affect physiological functioning. PNI is the study of the interrelations between the central nervous system and the immune system. It focuses on the influence of cognitive images on the nervous system and consequent interactions with the immune system. It incorporates but is not limited to, biofeedback, the impact of thought and belief on physiology and the effects of stress on physical and emotional functioning. The current research attempts to draw parallels between the fields of PNI and Dance/Movement therapy (D/MT). Dance Movement therapy (D/MT) is an art and a science that involves the use of nonverbal communication through the medium of movement and dancing. It is partnered with the practices of psychiatry and psychology. D/MT is based on the idea that the body and mind are inseparable. It is a form of psychotherapy, which utilizes psychomotor expression as its major mode of intervention. The basic premise of D/MT is that body movements reflect inner emotional states and changes in movement can lead to changes in the psyche, promoting health. One of the fundamental principles, and moreover a central purpose, of dance/movement therapy is the unity and balance of mind and body. Furthermore, the use of D/MT as a healing tool is rooted in the idea that the body and mind are inseparable. The premise that the mind and body have an interdependent relationship is not limited to the theory and practice of D/MT. The field of psychoneuroimmunology also maintains that mental and emotional processes of the mind can affect physiological functioning within the body. In addition, research has shown that certain psychological constructs such as stress, social support, self-esteem, and optimism and pessimism can affect the functioning of the immune system. The constructs discussed and targeted in the field of PNI are just some of the elements that are addressed in the practice of D/MT. Effective psychological intervention can assist the individual to manage and alter stressful conditions. Furthermore, group therapy, which is often employed in the practise of D/MT, provides an effective, efficient and economical system of peer support and hope from other individuals facing the same situation. D/MT is a psychotherapeutic treatment that uses body awareness, expression and acceptance to facilitate physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual integration to heal disorders of the body and the mind. Other psychological and physical improvements that have been attributed to D/MT include enhanced self-esteem, greater social support, an increased sense of control, and a greater ability to cope with stressful events. Because the elements of PNI discussed above have been shown to affect the physiological functioning and immunity of individuals, they are important constructs that need to be considered in the treatment of disease. Further, as D/MT has been shown to effectively address these factors, it follows that when treating individuals for a disease from the perspective of PNI, D/MT may be an appropriate intervention. In the current research, the aforementioned elements of PNI and how they are affected by the application of D/MT are discussed. Because the present investigation is focused on an area that has yet to be explored in South Africa, very little information concerning the topics in question is available. Consequently, the researcher focused on assembling information in the form of a literature review regarding D/MT and the possibility of using this means of therapy as an intervention for HIV. As such, the research design employed in the current investigation was exploratory in nature.

This study investigated the effects of various forms of therapy (individual, occupational, and dance) on self-concept. Subjects were 29 psychiatric patients at Providence Medical Center who volunteered to participate in this study. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) was used to measure self-concept both at time of admission and prior to discharge. The data were analyzed in a step-wise multiple regression to determine which of the various forms of therapy are the best predictors of self-concept at second TSCS application. The results of the step-wise multiple regression did not support the hypothesis that exposure to dance therapy would be a significant predictor of self-concept prior to discharge.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2008. / Includes appendix Title from PDF title page (viewed May 26, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-37)

Abstract This qualitative research explores creative movement processes such as dance/movement therapy (DMT), authentic movement (AM), and creative dance (CD) as possible tools for transforming sexual trauma for women. Eleven movement professionals were interviewed in a semi-structured research format. My direct experience and knowledge of sexual abuse, sexual trauma, and creative movement processes are interwoven with the research question: do creative dance/movement therapy processes contribute to the dynamic of healing for women transforming sexual trauma? These findings are inconclusive for the greater population of survivors of sexual abuse and sexual trauma. However, there are indications that DMT, AM, and CD may be potential tools for recovery. This research contributes to a dialogue about sexual abuse and recovery from sexual trauma.

Inledning: Dansterapi klassificeras som en konstnärlig terapiform och är därav en komplementär terapiinriktning. I dansterapi integreras dans, rörelse och psykoterapi genom konstnärliga och kreativa processer. Syftet med studien var att öka förståelsen för vad psykoterapeuter upplever som hjälpsamt med dans och rörelse under psykoterapeutiskt arbete. Frågeställningar: Hur beskriver psykoterapeuter det hjälpsamma med dansterapi? Finns det vissa patientgrupper som har mer nytta av dansterapi än andra? Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ och explorativ ansats där fem legitimerade psykoterapeuter med psykodynamisk (PDT) grund har intervjuats utifrån ett tillgänglighetsurval. Psykoterapeuterna har även bildning inom dansterapi och arbetar kliniskt med denna terapiform. Data har insamlats genom semistrukturerade interjuver och undersökts utifrån tematisk induktiv analys. Resultat: Fyra teman urskildes, 1) motivation/samspel, 2) kreativitet, 3) upplevelse, 4) uppbyggande. Diskussion: Sammantaget blev det tydligt att det de intervjuade terapeuterna beskrev som hjälpsamt med dansterapi går att koppla till dansterapeutisk och psykodynamisk teori. Samtliga fyra teman som tagits fram utifrån empirin har paralleller till olika mekanismer som skulle kunna förklara varför dansterapi kan vara hjälpsamt. Denna studie bekräftar därför i huvudsak existerande föreställningar om dansterapi och dess effekter som terapiform. Specifikt så handlar det om att dans och rörelse kan bli till hjälp att nå en välfungerande relation mellan terapeut och patient (Motivation/sampel); att ett kreativt utforskande via rörelse kan vara hjälpsamt för självutveckling (Kreativitet); att genom dans och fokus mot kroppens signaler kunna komma i kontakt med inre upplevelser och även bearbeta dessa via dans och rörelse, likväl som att kunna utveckla härbärgeringsförmåga (Upplevelse); att dansterapi kan vara hjälpsamt för ökad självförståelse och autonomi (Uppbyggande). / Introduction: Dance therapy is classified as an art oriented form of therapy and can thereby be regarded as complimentary. In dance therapy dance, movement, and psychotherapy are integrated through artful and creative processes. The aim of this study has been to increase understanding of what psychotherapists experience to be helpful with dance and movement in psychotherapeutic work. Issues: How do psychotherapists describe the helpfulness with dance therapy? Are there certain groups of patients who obtain greater utility from dance therapy compared to others? Method: The study is built on a qualitative and exploratory methodology within which five psychotherapists with psychodynamic backgrounds have been interviewed based on an availability sample. The interviewed psychotherapists all have education within dance therapy and are working clinically with this form of therapy. The interviews were of a semi-structured nature and the data that resulted from the interviews has been analysed using a thematic inductive approach. Result: Four themes were discerned from the data, 1) motivation/interplay, 2) creativity, 3) experience, 4) edification Discussion: In summary, it became clear that the interviewed psychotherapists described as helpful with dance therapy fits with dance therapeutic and psychodynamic theory. All four themes that were discerned from the empirics can be seen to have parallels to various mechanisms that could potentially explain why dance therapy can be helpful. The study thereby broadly confirms existing ideas about dance therapy and its effects. Specifically, it is about that dance and movement can be helpful in reaching a well-functioning relationship between therapist and patient (Motivation/interplay); that a creative exploration via movement can be helpful for self-development (Creativity); to be able to come into contact with inner experiences through dance and also process these via dance and movement, as well as to be able to accomplish containment (Experience); that dance therapy can be helpful for increased self-understanding and autonomy (Edification).