The effect of dance movement therapy on traumatized refugee women - a clinical controlled trial.
Sabine C Koch, Zahra Nazemi, Christina Arnaud et al.
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In 30 seconds
This controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of dance movement therapy (DMT) on 24 traumatized refugee women in Germany. Results indicated significant reductions in trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms following an 8-week DMT intervention, with trauma symptoms dropping below clinical cutoff values. The study employed a within-group design and included exploratory follow-up assessments.
Key findings
- Symptoms of trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety significantly decreased after the DMT intervention.
- Trauma symptoms fell below the clinical cutoff value post-intervention.
- No changes in symptoms were observed during the 8-week waiting period.
- Effects of DMT appeared to persist for eight weeks but not after one year.
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential of dance movement therapy as a low-threshold, cost-effective intervention for improving mental health in refugee women, a population often underserved in mental health services.
What to keep in mind
The study utilized a within-group design and had a relatively small sample size.