研究背景：身體意象困擾為現代女性自我發展之重要議題之一，且為飲食疾患之危險因子，身體意象預防方案因而受到重視，過去方案多注重負向之影響因素。近年來，「正向身體意象」概念發展並重視個體對自己身體的正向感受以及身心調和，但仍欠缺實踐之方法。本研究旨在以動勢場概念發展身體意象預防性介入方案，探討此預防方案提升女大學生對自我身體欣賞、覺察程度，及降低負向身體意象之效果。因研究工具受到中文化限制，本研究之研究一將針對身體意象問卷進行中文化以及信效度檢驗，研究二探討介入方案之療效。 研究方法：研究一採用問卷法，中文化問卷後針對201名女性大學生進行資料搜集，在問卷之信效度檢驗上，採用內部一致性信度、建構效度以及效標關聯效度進行檢驗。研究二招募三組受試者，依次是實驗組（N = 14）、體育課組（N = 15）以及控制組（N = 20），共有49名某國立大學女性大學生參與本研究。實驗組受試者接受每週1次，每次1.5小時，共計8次之團體介入。三組皆採用自陳氏問卷，於介入前、介入後以及三個月追蹤之三個時間點進行資料搜集。 研究發現：本研究中文化問卷大致具有足夠之信效度，可作為測量工具。介入結果顯示相較於體育課組以及控制組，實驗組在身體覺察上於後測以及三個月追蹤皆較前測有顯著之效果。 結論：本研究嘗試以舞蹈治療作為基礎，發展身體意象預防方案，結果可有效提升個體的身體覺察程度，但方案內容仍有待改進之空間。最後，提出本研究限制以及未來研究方向。 / Background: Body image concern is one of the important issues of modern women's self-development, and also the risk factors for eating disorders. Thus body image prevention program has been taken seriously, which, in the past the programs were more emphasized on negative factors. In recent years, the concept of "positive body image" has been developing and emphasizing on one's own positive feelings about individual's body and body-mind attunement, but still lacking of practical and well organized method to put into practice. This study aims to develop a body image prevention program based on the concept of Dongshi, to explore the effectiveness of the improvement of body appreciation and body responsiveness, also the effectiveness to decrease the impact of negative body image. Due to the limitations of the Chinese version research tools, Study 1 of this study will focus on examing the reliability and validity of the Chinese version’s body image questionnaires. Study 2 will explore the effectiveness of the prevention program. Methods: In Study 1, the questionnaires were used to study the data of 201 female college students. On the reliability and the validity of the questionnaires, the internal consistency reliability and construct validity were tested. In Study 2, three groups were recruited as the intervention group (N = 14), the physical education class group (N = 15) and the control group (N = 20), a total of 49 female college students from a national university participated in the study as samples. The intervention group received a weekly intervention, 1.5 hour each time, a total of 8 sessions in group involved. All three groups were collected from the self-reported questionnaire, and data collection from three periods: before the intervention, after the intervention and 3 months follow-up. Result: It is found that the Chinese edition questionnaires in this study are sufficiently reliable and can be used as a measurement tool. The results of the intervention showed that in comparing with the physical education group and the control group, the intervention group had significant effect on the post-test and the three-month follow-up in the body awareness. Conclusion: This study attempts to develop a body image prevention program based on dance therapy. The results can effectively improve the individual's body awareness, but the content of the program still has room for improvement. Finally, the limitations of this study and future directions for research are proposed.

M.A. (Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

This project presents dance as treatment for Orthorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder defined as an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Eating disorders disconnect body, mind, and spirit of an individual, and dance therapeutically connects these aspects. The specific effects of orthorexia on the body, mind, and spirit are analyzed; supported by evidence from research sources such as literature of books and scholarly journals, videos, an interview with board-certified dance/movement therapist Rachel Gonick-Mefferd, and a series of interviews with Dr. Thomas Doyle, in which he supplied a case study exemplifying dance as treatment for orthorexia. Conclusively, eating disorders and specifically orthorexia affect one’s entire being — physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual health — and interfere with one’s entire life and daily functioning. Dance, as a holistic therapeutic approach, is effective in addressing and remedying every single one of these elements, healing one’s whole self. Therefore, it is suggested that dance may be an effective treatment for orthorexia.

The purpose of this study was to discover the impact of ballroom dancing on the marital relationship. In order to do this the researcher first conducted a literature review on numerous aspects such as the marital relationship, movement therapy, the history of dancing, ballroom dancing and different theoretical approaches to marriage counseling. From the literature and personal experience, the researcher developed four hypotheses. To possibly answer these hypotheses and discover what the impact is of ballroom dancing on the marital relationship, the researcher utilized a qualitative research methodology. A sample size of three couples were randomly chosen to participate in the research study. Ethics and issues of validity and reliability were addressed throughout the research process. In-depth interviews were conducted with all three participating couples and from these interviews four different themes emerged. Four categories were then developed from the information obtained from the interviews as well as from the literature review. The research results indicated that the participating couples felt that through ballroom dancing they acquired improved communication in that it occurred more frequently and was more in-depth. The participants were of the opinion that their intimacy levels had enhanced. They related having more physical contact with one another, feeling early courtship emotions again and reinstating the importance of the marital relationship for them and their extended families. The couples seemed to develop strategies for conflict management as they went through the process of learning to dance. In the early stages of their dancing the couples recounted incidences of arguing however they all seemed to progressively make conscious decisions to ulitise strategies for conflict management which they found effective. Negotiation, investment and cooperation appeared to be essential tools for the couples to succeed in dancing. Added to this the couples seemed to be of the opinion that they became more competent in these behaviours as they progressed with their dancing. / Dissertation (MA (Counselling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Psychology / unrestricted

Problem Statement A lack of fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency in children can contribute to decreased physical activity (PA) levels, increased adiposity and poor acquisition of specialised sport specific movement skills. To prevent the latter, the identification of FMS status in early and middle childhood years is needed for targeted and specific interventions. Against the backdrop of physical education being omitted from the South African school curriculum, the presence of a patriarchal society, gender sporting stereotyping, high levels of unemployment and low education levels; the assessment of FMS status is particularly warranted. Aim of Study The primary aim of this study was to assess the FMS proficiency of girls aged 9-to-12 years from previously disadvantaged communities within Nelson Mandela Bay. Methodology A descriptive-exploratory-contextual study design, employing quantitative assessment techniques, was utilized. The sample comprised of 227 girls. Convenience sampling was employed. Testing consisted of FMS proficiency tests in the 20m and 40m sprint, standing long jump, throwing for distance, catching, static balance and throwing for accuracy. FMS process scores were assessed with the body component (BC) and Test of Gross Motor Development II (TGMD II) approaches. Anthropometric measurements of the standing and seated height, mass, arm span and leg length were additionally measured. Microsoft Excel® and Statistica® were used for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. In the case of significant ANOVA results, the Scheffe post hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<.05 and practical significance (Cohen’s d) was set at d>.2. Pearson Correlation Coefficient identified statistical and practical correlations between two variables and chi square was applied to indicate differences in frequency distribution tables. Cramer’s V values were applied to determine practical significance in the case where statistical significant differences were identified between sets of frequency distributions The BC approach indicated that most participants could not proficiently perform the run for speed (94.71 percent), standing long jump (96.9 percent) or throw for distance (83.56 percent). Only the catch was performed proficiently (91.19 percent). TGMD II results for the present study indicated that participants’ run for speed (100 percent) and catch (96.92 percent) were performed proficiently and their standing long jump (93.78 percent) and throw for distance (83.56 percent) process scores were performed least proficiently. Only the catch composite BC scores had a statistically (df=1.31; f=3.24; p=.024) and practically significant (d=0.82) improvement in the BC scores between the age groups 9 and 12 years. Only the standing long jump, throw for distance and throw for accuracy product scores improved statically and practically significantly with aging (p<.05; d>.2). Hence the further participants jumped, the faster they ran. Standing and seated height, weight and arm span improved statistically and practically significantly with age (p<.05; d>.2). All anthropometric variables, except for leg length, had a positive medium correlation (r=.335 to r=.439) with balance errors and this was only in 12 year olds. The throw for distance product scores had a medium correlation to seated height (r=.32) and arm span (r=.33). The run for speed had a medium correlation (r=.313) with mass. According to the IOTF classifications 24.67 percent of children were overweight and 7.49 percent of children were obese. Statistically significant differences were found for the run for speed (df=224; f=27.07; p=2.9E-11) and standing long jump (df=224; f=15.68; p=4.2E-07) when comparing product scores to normal weight, overweight and obese participants. These differences were furthermore found to be of medium to large practical significance between the normal and obese participants for the run for speed (d=0.61 to d=1.77) and Standing Long Jump (d=0.40 to d=1.33). On average 50 percent and 55 percent of participants partook 60 minutes or more of PA after school on week days and on weekend’s respectively. This PA consisted mostly of running and ball games. Only 10 percent of participants had commenced with menarche Conclusion Findings have highlighted the need for specifically targeted FMS interventions at an early age in female learners from previously disadvantaged communities. Both a product and process FMS assessment is warranted as this facilitates deductions about movement proficiency levels. A FMS proficiency assessment protocol is needed for South African children which is internationally comparable. Childhood overweight and obesity impacts FMS proficiency and should be addressed in future research. Cultural norms, gender stereotypes and sport management structures at primary school level seem to be affecting FMS proficiency and should be addressed in future research

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).

The researcher aimed to determine the effect of a dance and movement intervention on the perceived emotional well-being and self-esteem of a group of in-patient adolescents in Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital. A quantitative study, using a quasi-experimental design, was carried out using the positive and negative affect scale for children (PANAS-C) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale to measure the two independent variables, namely perceived emotional well-being and self-esteem. There were four participants in the experimental group and six in the control group. A between-group comparison was made between the pre-test and post-test scores of the two groups. Both groups completed the positive and negative affect scale for children (PANAS-C) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale at which point the experimental group took part in a two week, twelve session, dance and movement intervention program. After two weeks both groups once again completed these two measures. Although the results were statistically non-significant, effect size and outcome patterns pointed to an improvement in these two variables due to the intervention program. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Psychology / unrestricted

This research paper explores the use of creative arts therapies with children and families in a pediatric hospital setting as experienced by the therapists who provide these services. The research investigates art therapy, music therapy and dance/movement therapy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), with an in depth consideration of the role of art therapy services in this setting. The researchers reviewed general literature regarding hospitalization, specifically its effects on children and families, availability and role of psychosocial services and the intensive care units (ICU). Literature discussing creative arts therapies (art therapy, music therapy and dance/movement therapy) was also reviewed, with a focus on art therapy and its role in medical settings with children/families, with pediatric cancer patients and in psychosocial services. Based on information gleaned from the literature review, the researchers crafted an online survey utilized to gather information regarding the experience of providing creative arts therapies in a pediatric hospital setting. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with three selected survey respondents to further explore these experiences through interview questions and art making. The qualitative data from survey/interview responses, including the art, was reviewed and analyzed by the researchers. Analysis of the data resulted in five prominent themes from the online survey data: being present, family, support, change and identity. Four prominent themes emerged from the interview data: empowerment, culture, being present and identity. The researchers then examined these themes in the context of the general and art therapy literature. The meanings derived from these findings demonstrate the importance of continued and expanded use of creative arts therapies in pediatric hospitals.

Movement in Gestalt therapeutic intervention, using structured activities and free improvisations, is a successful alternative to punishing adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies in the classroom. An overview of the existing literature regarding the therapeutic value of movement in Gestalt therapeutic intervention for adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies is firstly presented. Various techniques supporting the adolescent in his quest to achieve equilibrium, ultimately improving his relationships with others and his environment, are described. A case study, involving eight adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies in group therapy follows, which indicates that movement in Gestalt therapy is an alternative to punishment. In the light hereof it is suggested that movement in Gestalt therapy could be implemented successfully in the formal school environment. This form of intervention can contribute to the adolescent's growth, his ability to communicate and his relationships with self, others and the environment, culminating in improved behavioural tendencies. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Movement in Gestalt therapeutic intervention, using structured activities and free improvisations, is a successful alternative to punishing adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies in the classroom. An overview of the existing literature regarding the therapeutic value of movement in Gestalt therapeutic intervention for adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies is firstly presented. Various techniques supporting the adolescent in his quest to achieve equilibrium, ultimately improving his relationships with others and his environment, are described. A case study, involving eight adolescents with disruptive behavioural tendencies in group therapy follows, which indicates that movement in Gestalt therapy is an alternative to punishment. In the light hereof it is suggested that movement in Gestalt therapy could be implemented successfully in the formal school environment. This form of intervention can contribute to the adolescent's growth, his ability to communicate and his relationships with self, others and the environment, culminating in improved behavioural tendencies. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)