DMT Groups for Female Inmates with Drug Dependence at a Detention Center in Taiwan

Abstract

This action research explores the implementation of dance/movement therapy (DMT) groups for female inmates in a detention center in Taiwan who have a history of drug use. It addresses two research inquiries: (1) Assessing the effectiveness of DMT groups integrating the process model of positive emotional regulation in improving emotional well-being and stress management, and (2) Identifying key components for an effective DMT program tailored to female inmates. For the purpose of the study, two sequential DMT groups were conducted from July to October 2021, employing a mixed methods approach which included: a) Body Appreciation Scale, b) Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), c) Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS) and d) Five-Item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) alongside group notes, session reports and personal notes. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant improvement in body acceptance scores. Qualitatively, the leader’s guidance in promoting breath awareness and regulation played a pivotal role in helping participants establish a connection with their bodily sensations and emotions, facilitating emotional self-regulation. While quantitative data indicated a modest increase in Life Satisfaction Scale scores, qualitative findings showcased participants’ shift towards discovering happiness within themselves and their positive experiences. Group discussions emphasized the advantages of reframing cognitive patterns to uncover moments of joy within their restricted environments. The qualitative analysis demonstrated participants’ adaptability and emotional response modulation during group activities, contributing to a supportive and engaging group atmosphere. Participants cherished the opportunity for free interaction within the group, fostering genuine connections through expressions of gratitude and physical contact. Additionally, the group served as an outlet for emotional release and self-expression, providing a stark contrast to the limitations of their daily lives. This study highlights the importance of observing actions within the context, the transition from individual to interpersonal emotional regulation, and the application of the BREATH Model, based on six core themes: breathing, regulation of energy, expanding movement repertoire, awareness, togetherness, and help. It sheds light on the potential benefits of DMT for female inmates who used drugs. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Appendix 1

The overall organization of data analysis is based on the following holistic process concept, as illustrated in Fig. 

Fig. 2

Data correlation diagram

2 and presented in Table 

Table 4 Data correlation lists in order

4. The leader comes to the session with the leader’s theoretical intentions (OO1) which are shared and discussed in the pre-group discussion. During the session, the leader observes members’ verbal and nonverbal behaviors and actions (M1) and gives instructions and interventions (PP2) based on the leader’s practical intentions (PP1). Immediately after interventions are given, the leader observes and experiences members’ reactions (M2) to create the next PP1 and PP2 cycles. The practical intentions and practical actions of the leader tend to encompass both explicit and implicit knowledge of the leader. The leader’s intrapersonal conversation in reflection and note (QQ1) assists the leader in becoming aware of her own bodily experiences, sensations, thoughts, observations, and actions within the group process. The post-group discussions (QQ2) provide the leader with interpersonal conversations that enable the leader to receive feedback, gain knowledge by listening to others’ perspectives, experiences, and observations, and expand her perspectives through questioning posed by other research team members. Through intra and interpersonal conversations, the leader develops revised theoretical intentions (OO2), which then enables the leader to revise and develop an updated group plan.