Investigating the effects of group dance movement therapy sessions in adults living with treatment resistant depression: A mixed method case series

There are currently no studies that specifically explore the use of dance/movement therapy (DMT) for treatment resistant depression, despite the growing literature base on DMT and major depressive disorders. This paper reports the effects of group-DMT sessions for adults with treatment resistant depression in a convergent parallel, mixed-method case series. Participants (n=3) attended 12 weekly 45-minute group-DMT sessions. Quantitative outcomes were measured at four timepoints via the Perceived Stress Scale-10, Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2, and cortisol hormone levels measured through hair samples. Qualitative data was collected via focus groups and individual interviews. Data were mixed with a complementary intent and are presented in a joint-display table. Findings indicate an increased capacity for emotional regulation, increased confidence in navigating somatic cues, and a more positive association with one’s body after group-DMT sessions. Integrated data demonstrates a convergent relationship between the data sets. Key findings suggest that DMT (i) offered a change in participants’ negative somatic associations, (ii) expanded the participants’ capacity for regulation, and (iii) offered a body-based form of self-assessment and regulation. Considering the novelty and small sample size in this case series, generalisations cannot be made about the benefits of DMT in treatment resistant depression. Further research on this topic is warranted. • Dance movement therapy (DMT) can be a form of assessing stress in adults with depression • DMT can expand self-regulation capacity through practising antecedent-focused strategies • DMT prompted a change in study participants’ negative somatic associations