The Effects of Dance and Movement Therapy with Adolescents Who Have Experienced Trauma, a Literature Review

With the growing number of trauma-informed practices in the mental health field, it is necessary to look at what best practices should be implemented in treating adolescents who have experienced trauma, specifically from a body-based intervention, such as dance and movement therapy. In this literature review, articles are discussed that encompass the following topics: dance and movement therapy and trauma, general dance interventions for the adolescent population, empowerment models as a way to cope with trauma symptoms, and cultural considerations of treating adolescent females of color. The gaps in current research must be acknowledged, specifically dance and movement therapy interventions for traumatized adolescents in the United States and treatment options for oppressed populations. Through studying, researching, explaining, and critically evaluating existing literature in dance and movement therapy, it can be formulated where future research is needed for this target population. As trauma-informed care continues to increase, it is essential to explore where further research should be conducted to best treat adolescents who have experienced trauma. 3 Running head: DANCE AND MOVEMENT THERAPY, ADOLESCENTS & TRAUMA The Effects of Dance and Movement Therapy with Adolescents Who Have Experienced Trauma, a Literature Review This thesis capstone investigated the effects of a dance and movement therapy intervention for adolescents who have experienced trauma. For the purpose of this capstone thesis, dance and movement therapy is defined as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual, with the intent of improving health and well-being (ADTA, 2016). Throughout this capstone thesis, trauma is defined as a noticeably significant life event that has affected an individual’s physical or emotional well-being. The definition of an adolescent for this capstone thesis is anyone typically developing between the ages of 12-18 years old. For practitioners to implement best practices, it is important that research is critically evaluated and analyzed. Although all humans have experienced varying degrees of trauma, this capstone thesis hones in on the adolescent population due to lack of research. The adolescent age can be a particularly difficult time in an individual’s life. This is due to changing bodies and natural hormonal developments. When an adolescent experiences trauma the mental health of the individual can begin to unravel. If adolescents are not equipped to handle life’s unforeseen stressors they can develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder in the result of a significant life changing event. Through the use of dance and movement therapy, adolescents can learn to cope with their experiences of trauma and how it may be impacting them on a day to day basis (Levine & Land, 2016). Through this literature review current existing research about the effectiveness of dance and movement therapy in treating adolescents who have experienced trauma it will be explored. Throughout this capstone thesis gaps in the literature were identified for the purpose of orienting 4 Running head: DANCE AND MOVEMENT THERAPY, ADOLESCENTS & TRAUMA the reader. Lastly, suggestions are made on where future research should be conducted in the field of dance and movement therapy. This analysis has the potential to impact practitioners who provide treatment for adolescents who have experienced trauma through being able to learn what best practices exist from a body-based therapeutic intervention. Practitioners can then make sure that they are utilizing therapeutic techniques that are empirically supported by the most current and accurate research on this specific topic. Literature Review The articles that were researched during the literature review have been organized into five categories: historical context, theoretical orientations, research support, designs and methods of current research, and lastly identifying gaps in the current literature that pertain to this capstone thesis topic. These articles were found through thorough online research at the Lesley University Library online database. Historical Context In relation to historical context, Levine and Land (2016) explored how dance and movement therapy impacts individuals with trauma. The researchers explored the idea of, “engaging the body in trauma treatment might reduce the length of treatment by addressing the connections among thoughts, feelings, neurobiology, and somatic responses in the survivor” (p.