The role of dance/movement therapy in the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia: a mixed methods pilot study

Abstract

Background

Optimizing psychosocial functioning by reducing the severity of negative symptoms are important outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. Movement-based interventions could be uniquely capable of addressing the non-verbal nature of negative symptoms.

Aims

To examine the treatment effects of a 10-week group dance/movement therapy program on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

A mixed methods intervention design (with explanatory intent) was used in which a randomized controlled trial was followed by semi-structured exit interviews. Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (N = 31) were randomized to two conditions: treatment as usual (TAU) and dance/movement therapy (DMT). Before and after the program participants reported on negative symptoms and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Fifteen participants completed interviews.

Results

Quantitative data showed no improvement nor worsening of clinical status in the DMT group. Qualitative data suggested that participation in DMT had a physical impact, resulted in enhanced interpersonal connectivity, sense of integration, emotional support, and symptom management.

Conclusions

Qualitative but not quantitative findings suggest that DMT has potential to enhance psychosocial functioning and to reduce severity of negative symptoms for schizophrenia.

Keywords:

• Schizophrenia
• dance/movement therapy
• negative syndrome
• psychosocial functioning
• mixed methods research

Acknowledgements

The authors thank their study participants and assistance from dissertation committee and other individuals who greatly contributed to this project. The authors acknowledge all members of the Community Mental Health Center, students and staff of the Community Psychiatry Department of Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum and research assistants (Weronika Bazan and Anna Goman).

Ethics statement

Ethical approval has been granted from the Institutional Review Board at Drexel University (protocol nr 1701005088-A002) and at the study site (Community Mental Health Center) Bioethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medium. All participants have given written informed consent for their data to be used in the research.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the Marian Chace Foundation of the American Dance Therapy Association.