The effects of a salsa dance intervention in young people with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms

The prevalence and burden of depression are increasing among young people. Despite this, relatively few treatments specifically target this critical developmental period, and under-addressed mental health difficulties in youth often have lifelong consequences. Social isolation is commonly reported by young adults and is both a risk and maintenance factor for depression. There is a need for accessible, engaging interventions that can reduce depressive symptoms and improve social connectedness.

Building on evidence of the therapeutic potential of social dance-based activities for depression, this randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week salsa dance intervention for young adults (aged 18-24 years) with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms. 121 participants were randomly assigned to either a salsa intervention or a waitlist control. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a validated measure of depressive symptoms, and additional mental health measures at baseline, during, and after the intervention.

Participants in the salsa dance condition showed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the waitlist control, with a -2.45 PHQ-9 point between-group difference, exceeding the criterion for clinical significance. Both groups reported improvements in social anxiety, generalized anxiety, loneliness, and daily happiness, but salsa participants had significantly greater reductions in social anxiety and greater improvements in daily happiness.

These findings support the value of social dance as a novel, accessible intervention for reducing depressive symptoms. Implementing such programs within a suite of wellbeing-oriented interventions for young people could provide cost-effective mental health benefits.