Dance therapy improves self-body image among obese patients

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Therapeutic Interventions
• Body Image Research

Background:

• Obesity is linked to low self-esteem and distorted body image.
• Disturbed eating behaviors often accompany body image issues.
• Mental representations of the body are crucial in obesity management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of dance therapy on body image in obese individuals.
• To assess changes in physical, psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of body image.
• To explore the effectiveness of dance therapy for improving self-esteem and body perception.

Main Methods:

• A 36-week longitudinal dance therapy workshop (DTW) involving 18 obese patients.
• Weekly 2-hour dance sessions.
• Evaluations at baseline, 18 weeks, and 36 weeks using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in health-related quality of life (p<0.03).
• Enhanced body consciousness (p<0.001).
• Marked improvement in mental representations of self-body image (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Dance therapy effectively helps obese patients reorient their somatic and psychic body awareness.
• The program positively influences body image and psycho-social aspects, even for those hesitant about physical activity.