This thesis based in practice as research proposes a pedagogical model for supporting the actor’s inner psychological process within the area of psychophysical actor training. By invoking Socrates’ concept of psychagogia, I critically examine key aspects of psychophysical actor training in order to clarify the conceptual and pragmatic meaning of ‘psyche’ within the psychophysical process. Socrates describes psychagogia as the educational art of leading the psyche towards dialectical examination of the good. It is Aristotle, however, who identifies the art of tragedy as the greatest form of psychagogia, and it is in this context that the thesis re-introduces psychagogia for actor training. My research investigates in practice the application of a modified Sesame Drama and Movement Therapy approach for actors. It entails a series of projects and workshops exploring a pedagogical model based on the Sesame methodology and structure, and using ancient Greek myths as vehicles to encounter conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche. The research addresses the necessity for an embodied experience and awareness of the psyche by confronting creatively its conscious and unconscious aspects. I aim to show how a Sesame Drama and Movement Therapy approach facilitates this process in a safe and reflexive way, raising the actor’s awareness of this tacit and intangible inner quality.

Univ., Akad. avh.--Lund, 2006.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2006. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-134). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

This interdisciplinary thesis examines the role of dance/movement in training programmes, which address peace, violence, conflict and trauma. Despite the growing literature and scholarly interest in embodied practices, few training programmes address dance/movement peace explicitly, identify shared beliefs or make connections between movement behaviour and decision-making. The research questions explore how dance/movement trainers experience, implement and conceptualise embodied processes that enable the transformation of conflict, particularly concerning interpersonal and/or intergroup violence. In order to investigate this question, an 'internal' analysis of relations and practices amongst its practitioners progresses to an 'external' analysis of contributions to arts-based peace practices and peacebuilding. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced trainers working internationally who use artistic, therapeutic and educational approaches to peace practices. The practitioners' curricula and training materials were examined using thematic analysis and qualitative analysis software (NVivo). The data analysis results in a map of shared beliefs, positionality and boundary shifts amongst the respondents, and proposes an exploration of practices applicable to multiple settings and client groups. This thesis presents new research in Communities of Practice (CoP) theory with artistic communities. It also deepens previous research on dance/movement peace practices and movement analysis, which sustains peaceable and violent actions can be understood through conscious and/or unconscious movement decision-making processes. The thesis concludes that embodied processes involve reflexive and enactive interventions, and proposes analyses of spatial relations, symbolic enactment and relational nonverbal interactions as key contributions of dance/movement. These embodied processes challenge 'conventional' forms of knowledge transmission and the arts' constant pressure for legitimisation. The thematic exploration of shared practices and beliefs therefore integrates movement analysis and social theory to present an interdisciplinary contribution to embodied analyses of violence.

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.

Syftet med studien var att sammanställa arbetsterapeutiska interventioner inom CI-terapi och dess effekter på aktivitetsförmåga för barn med unilateral CP i åldrarna 2-18 år. Åtta artiklar granskades i litteraturöversikten, varav sex var randomiserade kontrollerade studier. De kvantitativa artiklarna analyserades enligt en deduktiv ansats och beskrevs under tre av fyra arbetsterapeutiska interventionsmodeller. I kategorin Modell för kompensation framkom att anpassning av den sociala miljön var av vikt för att främja motivation. I kategorin Modell för aktivitetsträning framkom att aktiviteter bör vara åldersanpassade och att målsättningen ska vara personlig. I kategorin Modell för förbättring av personliga faktorer och kroppsfunktioner framkom att rörelser isolerades genom lek för att ge förbättrad kroppsfunktion. I kategorin Effekter framkom att alla studier beskrev olika ökade positiva effekter med påverkan på aktivitetsförmåga. Resultatet av denna studie visar att motivation och engagemang hos barnet med unilateral cerebral pares vid mottagande av CI-terapi är betydande. Positiv effekt påvisas gällande handfunktion, vilket har en fortsatt märkbar effekt i tre till sex månader. För att få en bild av vilka interventioner som är bäst lämpade för den effekt som önskas finns ett behov av vidare forskning. / The purpose of the study was to compile occupational interventions within Constraint induced movement therapy and their effects on occupational ability for children with unilateral cerebral palsy in the ages 2-18 years. Eight articles were examined in this literature review, of which six of them were Randomised Control Trials. The quantitative articles were analysed according to a deductive approach and described under three out of four occupational intervention models. In the category Compensatory Model results showed that adaptations to the social environment were of importance to enhance motivation. In the category Acquisitional Model results showed that activities should be adapted to age and that the goal should be set individually. In the category Restorative Model results showed that movements could be isolated through play with the purpose of enhancing motor functions. In the category Effects results showed that all articles described different increasing positive effects concerning occupational ability. The result of study shows that motivation and commitment of the child with unilateral cerebral palsy is of great importance when recieving Constraint Induced Movement Therapy. The results concerning hand function show positive effect at the follow-up 3-6 months later. Further research is needed to understand which interventions are most suited to get the desired effect.

Partial paralysis of the hand is one of the main impairments after stroke. Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIT) is a new treatment technique that appears to improve upper extremity function after stroke. CIT consists of 6 hours of training/day for the affected arm (mainly with shaping exercises) and of restraint (mitt) of the non affected arm for two weeks. There are concerns about the practicality and resource issues in carrying out CIT according to the original model. In this thesis the benefit of modifications of CIT, of an assessment tool and of two common types of hand training have been evaluated.   CIT (n=16) administered in groups for two weeks (paper I) seems to be a feasible alternative to improve upper limb motor function after chronic stroke. The arm/hand motor performance improved significantly on Motor Assessment Scale (MAS; p= 0.003) and on Sollerman hand function test (p= 0.037). The median self reported motor ability (MAL) also improved (p < 0.001). No additional effect was seen from wearing a mitt for an extended period of three months. The reliability of the Sollerman hand function test (paper II) was studied in patients with chronic stroke. Three examiners observed 24 patients at three experimental sessions. There was agreement (kappa ≥ 0.4) between the examiners for 15/20 subtests. Using total sum scores, the agreement within the examiners was higher than 0.96 (for Spearman’s rhos and ICCs) and agreement between the examiners was higher than 0.96 (Spearman’s rhos) and 0.92 (ICCs), respectively. In a cohort of 24 patients with subacute stroke (paper III) forced use therapy (FUT; mitt use and 3 hours of training/day for 2 weeks) improved arm/hand function, but not more than regular arm therapy given to the control group. Significant improvements in arm/hand motor performance were found in the FUT group (n=12) as well as in the control group (n=12) on the Sollerman hand function test (p= 0.001), on MAS (p< 0.05) and on MAL (p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen between the groups pre- or post training or at three months follow up, demonstrating that the mitt had limited importance. In a separate study on 30 healthy subjects (paper IV), employing transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS), we found that shaping exercises but not general activity training increased dexterity (p<0.05; Purdue peg board test) of the trained non dominant hand. After shaping exercises the cortical motor map shifted forwardly into the premotor area but did not expand. After general activity training the cortical motor map expanded significantly (p=0.03) in the posterior (sensory) direction. Shift of location of active TMS positions rather than their numbers might therefore be a critical factor for the interpretation of cortical plasticity.   In conclusion, the studies in this thesis have shown that less resource consuming modifications of CIT may be feasible to improve upper limb motor function after stroke. The type and amount of training for the more affected arm seems to be an important factor rather than the mitt use in itself. Shaping exercises, at least in healthy people, are effective in improving dexterity and the Sollerman hand function test reliable to evaluate arm/hand function after stroke.

Is osteoarthritis a fate unconditionally vested in genetic makeup, or are joints aggravated into inflammation by the way they are treated? Humans are a complicated conglomeration of experiences, decisions, and inheritance. Osteoarthritis, likewise, has evaded simplicity in any explanation of its causation, so it necessitates a multi-dimensional perspective. This research considers the relevance of Alexander Technique in filling a void in which treatment and management of osteoarthritis is not equally equipped to answer this multi-dimensional causation. Alexander Technique is classified as a movement therapy, but this does not quite encompass the mindset of it—that it is indeed largely a mindset about movement. More concisely, Alexander Technique emphasizes self-awareness about how a person uses his or her body to perform daily tasks. It is physical minimalism, and involves continual recognition of muscle tension along with the ability to let go of any tension that is burdensome and unnecessary. This technique has diminished pain and increased the ease of movement for those who have experienced it, even people with osteoarthritis. To build the argument that osteoarthritis can be hindered through a heightened consideration of how joints are treated, the initial component of this research investigated the vast amount of information already gleaned about the pathogenesis of this disease. The fields of physiology, genetics, immunology, and clinical practice already have much to share, and this knowledge has been combined with studies about the benefits and goals of Alexander Technique to discover the common ground of osteoarthritis treatment. The experimental component assesses the association of Alexander Technique to the minimization of pain from osteoarthritis. An online survey asks osteoarthritis cohorts about the history of their disease, the effect it has had on their pain levels and activities of daily living, and about the efficacy of their management strategies. Because each participant will be asked if he or she has received Alexander Technique lessons, the survey can be used to analyze each respondent’s experience of osteoarthritis with respect to that. It was found that participants who had received Alexander Technique lessons reported an average of one more pain-free day per week, and experienced diminished pain levels for daily physical activities such as walking. Management strategies also indicated the benefit of Alexander Technique; those who had taken lessons less frequently used pain and anti-inflammatory medications and were able to be more physically active than the unexposed group. No statistical significance was achieved from the data, largely owing to small sample size (Alexander Technique, n=12, no Alexander Technique, n=25). This study is a step in the direction of better osteoarthritis management, promoting prevention-minded awareness of joint use and providing preliminary fuel for more extensive research.

This minor thesis reports an attempt to describe and understand moments of experiential meaning within the dance therapy process for a patient with dementia. It also documents an attempt to develop a methodology which could adequately grasp the complexities of such an experience. A phenomenological approach with its emphasis on allowing the phenomenon to reveal itself through multiple perspectives seemed the most appropriate for this study. However, while phenomenology influenced the format of the dance therapy sessions as well as the constitution and analysis of the data, ultimately a hermeneutic analysis was employed for further explication of the material. The study consisted of four individual dance therapy sessions with an 85 year old patient with moderate dementia. The researcher/therapist worked improvisationally and a music therapist provided improvised music. After the sessions, all of which were videotaped, the patient was videotaped viewing the dance session video, in order to obtain her verbal or non-verbal responses to the material. It was decided to focus on the 'significant moments', selected intuitively as moments which seemed high points of the session. A naive description was made, on which an adaptation of Giorgi's four-phase method of analysis was applied. Certain foci, such as energy flow, were identified and individually described. In time, it became clear that the written descriptions alone were insufficient and that reflection would need to cover all the material from multiple sources and perspectives. This was done, and the data were later further explicated by reference to writings on dance therapy, dance aesthetics and the philosophical concept of the embodied self, and Sacks's neurological writings on the awakened self. The conclusions of the research were that the patient was not only transformed within the dance session and able to re-create aspects of her old self, but also underwent, through the experience as a whole (the dance and the reflection upon it, facilitated by the video viewing), a change in awareness, through which she reintegrated the past with the present and, in her words, 'came out of the cupboard...into the brightness'.