Effects of Dance on Anxiety
June 1st, 1984
London, United Kingdom
Andre Lesté, John Rust
This early study examines the relationship between participation in dance and anxiety levels, contributing to foundational research on movement-based approaches to emotional regulation. It offers insight into how structured dance experiences may influence psychological states and helped inform later work in dance and movement-focused therapies.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
DOI: 10.2466/pms.1984.58.3.767
Posted byJai Narayan
Pending staff verification
Notify
Abstract/Description
The study investigated the effects of modern dance on anxiety. State anxiety was assessed before and after a 3-mo. education programme, using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The target group followed a class in modern dance. Control groups were (1) a physical education group to control for the effects of exercise, (2) a music group to control for aesthetic sensitivity training, and (3) a mathematics group. Several concomitant variables were measured: age, sex, attitude towards dance, and previous experience in sport, dance, and relaxation. Dance training significantly reduced anxiety, but no control activities did so. Examination of the concomitant variables showed that the result could not be accounted for by any obvious artifacts.
