Abstract

Can dance help regulate our mood and improve our overall wellness? Due to current research, it is hypothesized that young adults who participate in a dance with a partner or group will indicate it provides a positive influence in their life in aspects of mood and social behavior. Dance especially will have a positive effect on mood due to the social interactions from dancing in groups or with a partner. Sixteen young adult dancers in college were interviewed on topics revolving around dance, partner and group dance, mood and wellness. Based on these interviews 10 significant themes emerged. Dancers reported that they had an increase in positive mood after dancing, increased focus that led to new perspectives, transfer of energy, preference of partner and group dancing, better time management skills, a feeling of freedom, and used dance as a coping mechanism. Some had some preference of dancing alone due to an extreme negative mood they were experiencing, and others found they adjust to college better because of dance. The preference of partner and group dancing in the interviews seemed to influence many of the other themes such as transfer of energy and positive mood increase. The findings provide evidence for the role of dance in mood regulation. Future research should explore more scientific measures of the connection between dance and mood and compare partner and group dance versus solo dancing effects on mood.

Advisor

Clayton, Susan

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Fine Arts | Health Psychology | Other Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology

Keywords

Dance, Wellness, Mood, Partner Dance, Group Dance, Mood Regulation

Publication Date

2020

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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