Psychic Symptoms and Self-Esteem in Dancers

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Dance Science
• Mental Health Studies

Background:

• Mental health and self-esteem positively impact an individual's peace, stability, success, and satisfaction.
• Dance is widely believed to positively affect both the physical and psychological health of individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether dancers exhibit fewer psychological symptoms and higher self-esteem compared to non-dancers.
• To explore the relationship between dance participation and mental well-being indicators.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 310 young individuals, comprising dancers and non-dancers, participated in the study.
• Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Psychical Symptoms Estimation Scale (RCL-90-R), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).

Main Results:

• Dancers reported fewer psychological symptoms across most sub-scales, though differences were not statistically significant.
• A statistically significant difference was found between sexes in somatization, interpersonal vulnerability, depression, anxiety, and phobias.
• Dancers reported higher self-esteem than non-dancers, but this difference was not statistically significant. Female participants reported higher self-esteem than male participants.

Conclusions:

• Dancers exhibit a trend towards fewer psychological symptoms and higher self-esteem compared to non-dancers.
• While observed, the differences in psychological symptoms and self-esteem between dancers and non-dancers did not reach statistical significance.
• Gender differences in psychological symptoms and self-esteem were noted, with females reporting higher self-esteem.