Implementation of dance therapy in 13–14 year old students in order to reduce stress and anxiety

Abstract

Problem statement: Investigating numerous articles and studies on the effects of dance on the body, we can say that this type of movement brings many benefits to our health both physically and mentally regardless of the age. Purpose of study: This paper aims to analyse the level of stress in students aged 13–14 years, as well as reducing the level of stress felt by them by applying dance therapy. Study hypothesis: Indicators of stress (such as anxiety, emotional distress, etc.) can be improved with a focused dance-intervention therapy program, created specifically for this purpose. Objectives of the study proposed by us take into account the well-being of young people, more precisely of students aged 13–14. We intend to reduce stress by applying intervention plans based on a succession of specific dance steps, an artistic program created by us especially for this purpose. Subjects, duration and place of study: The study took place between October 2016 and January 2017, in ClujNapoca, in the gym of the ‘George Baritiu’ National College, a number of 30 students. Tests and assessment tools used in research: To find out the emotional state of students, we apply: Relaxation technique R. Bandler, Jacobson, Endler Scale of Multidimensional Anxiety Assessment Test – Endler Scales for Multidimensional Anxiety Assessment (Anxiety Scale), Emotional Distress Profile. We use Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, for the analysis of three or more samples, the analysis of variance test was used in the case of data with normal distribution or the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, in the case of values with uneven distribution or ranks. Conclusions and recommendations: The obtained results underline the importance of using psychological tests to detect the level of stress in order to decrease its intensity and to raise awareness of well-being. Following the results obtained, which are statistically significant, we conclude that students need a special intervention program created by us that will reduce the accumulated stress.

Keywords: Dance-therapy, stress, anxiety.