Dance Your Way to Communication: Dance Movement Therapy to Increase Self-Esteem, Poor Body Image, and Communication Skills in High School Females

Abstract

A study with the use of dance movement therapy as a counseling approach in a suburban high school setting was presented. The objective of this study was to determine if Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with females struggling with relational issues with their paternal figure contributed to improved self esteem, body image, and communication skills. The literature review describes dance movement therapy, aspects of self-esteem, body image, dance movement therapy used with specific populations, fundamentals of group work, and movement therapy techniques used with adolescents. Methods of the study were presented with the use of eight movement therapy interventions. The instrument and participants were also described. The results were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively through pre and post test results and observations. Results indicated that DMT was an effective therapeutic technique in a school setting. The discussion also describes areas for additional research and implications for future research.