Understanding the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy on Loneliness and Aggression of Underprivileged Children of an NGO

Background Underprivileged children from low socio-economic backgrounds lack access to the resources that promote cognitive, emotional and social development. Cognitive stimulation and psychological support enhance the neurobehavioural responses in underprivileged children. Interventions like Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy (MBDMT) are inter-modal psychotherapy, enhancing mind and body integration, improving emotional regulation and alleviating mental health problems like loneliness and aggression. Purpose The study aims to evaluate the effect of MBDMT on loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children of an NGO in Delhi-NCR, India. Methods A quasi-experimental pre–post design was adopted, with 100 participants (aged 10–16 years) divided into treatment and control groups. The intervention consisted of 15 sessions (60 min each, for 15 weeks). UCLA Loneliness Scale and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire were administered pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months). Data was analysed through a paired samples t -test using SPSS. Results The t value of the treatment group was 17.890 at p < .01, indicating a significant reduction in loneliness post-MBDMT. The aggression score of the treatment group has a t value of 20.290, indicating a significant decrease in aggression post-intervention. The post-test scores of both treatment and control groups were analysed for loneliness and aggression; the t values were −3.322 and −6.723, indicating a significant decrease in loneliness and aggression in the treatment group. The comparison of post-test and follow-up of loneliness had a t value of −2.760. And the follow-up scores of aggression showed a significant t value of 8.053. Conclusion MBDMT is an effective community-based neurobehavioural intervention for reducing loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children. The results highlight the therapeutic value of mindfulness and movement-based expressive interventions in promoting emotional regulation and social connectedness in community settings. Although Indians have been known for practising classical dance forms, yoga and meditation for ages, schools should inculcate mindfulness and movement with the usual curriculum.