Abstract

Previous research has found benefits of movement and physical activity on well-being. One type of movement that has been studied to determine how the mind body connection works for well-being is dance. The current study compares the effects of dances and non-dance activities on positive well-being, psychological distress, and fatigue within a sample of college students (n = 107). Participants in the current study completed movement in one of four independent groups. First, participants either danced or completed a non-dance movement. Second, participants completed their movement either in a social setting or individually. The surveys used were the Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES) and the Motives for Physical Activities Measure (MPAM-R). All participants completed the SEES both before and after their movement of choice. Primary analyses compared participants who danced to participants who completed non-dance movement. Results indicated a benefit of dance compared to non-dance movement on all three psychological outcomes (i.e., positive well-being, psychological distress, and fatigue). Secondary ANOVA analyses indicated specific psychological benefits for participants in the group dance condition, relative to the other three experimental conditions. That is, findings suggested stronger benefits for dance in a group setting over all other conditions in terms of positive well-being, psychological distress and fatigue. Current results provide evidence that movement, and dance specifically, can lead to mental benefits such as increased positive well-being, decreased psychological distress, and decreased fatigue in college students.

Advisor

Scheibe, Dan

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

dancing, positive well-being, psychological distress, fatigue

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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