Abstract
This pilot study was designed to show the influence of dance/movement therapy on affect. The hypothesis was that a dance/movement therapy session would effect significant change in affect. The tool used to assess change was the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL), a self-rating checklist that specifically and exclusively measures hostility, depression, and anxiety. Results showed that the dance/movement therapy session significantly effected the participants' affect. Depression and anxiety were effected more than hostility. No significant difference was found between the scores of the hospitalized and nonhospitalized populations. This study supports the premise that dance/movement therapy can change how people feel. Suggestions for further research studies are included.
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Brooks, D., Stark, A. The effect of dance/movement therapy on affect: A pilot study. Am J Dance Ther 11, 101–112 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00843774
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00843774