Dance movement therapy for depressed clients : Profiles of the level and changes in depression

Abstract

This research identified participant profiles in level and changes in depression among working age (18–64 years old) clients (N = 137) diagnosed with depression, who participated in a 20-session dance movement therapy (DMT) intervention. Using Latent Profile Analysis Mild, sharply reducing depression (9%), Mild, reducing depression (58%) and Severe, reducing depression (33%) profiles were established, using Beck Depression Inventory scores gathered at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up points. At the pre-intervention point, being in full-time work was related to the Mild, sharply reducing depression profile. Being on a disability pension, having a history of one's own or a close person's substance abuse, a more fearful attachment style, and deficiencies in mindfulness skills were related to the Severe, reducing depression profile. All participants benefited from the short-term DMT intervention, which may offer a good outcome for patients with less complex depression, whereas those with more complicated symptomology may require longer treatment.