Re-inhabiting one’s body: A pilot study on the effects of dance movement therapy on body image and alexithymia in eating disorders

Abstract

Background: Body image disturbance and alexithymia are two core aspects of Eating Disorders (EDs). However, standard treatments for EDs do not include specific techniques to approach these issues on a bodily level. This pilot study evaluated the effects of a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) intervention on body image and alexithymia in patients with EDs, and also explored their experience of the therapeutic process. Method: 14 patients with EDs were recruited from a private clinic. Seven were assigned via quasi-randomization to the DMT group and the others (n = 5) continued their treatment as usual. The length of the intervention was 14 weeks. All participants completed the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Additionally, the DMT group wrote reflective diaries about their experience at the end of each session, which were analyzed using qualitative methods. Results: Between the pre-and post-intervention, the participants of the DMT group significantly improved in Body Areas Satisfaction (effect size: 0.95) and Appearance Evaluation (effect size: 1.10), and they decreased significantly in Appearance Orientation (effect size: 1.30). A decrease in Overweight Preoccupation was observed (effect size: 0.75), however this was not statistically significant. The control group did not show significant changes in any of the MBSRQ subscales. Neither the DMT group nor the control group improved significantly in the alexithymia scores. The qualitative analysis revealed valuable insights into the participants' processes throughout the sessions. In general, participants received the DMT intervention positively. They reported improvements in their mood states and an increase in their self-awareness. They also appreciated the relationship with the group and the therapist. Conclusion: These results indicate that DMT might be a complementary treatment option for EDs, as it may be able to address body image issues more effectively than verbal therapies. More studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.

Exercise therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Its effects depending on the type of physical exercise—A systematic review

“…Thirteen studies were RCTs ( 49 – 53 , 56 – 63 ), 8 studies were NRCTs ( 8 , 64 – 70 ), and 6 studies were UTs ( 54 , 55 , 71 – 75 ). All studies included patients with a diagnosis of AN; 11 studies also included patients with other ED as well ( 58 – 60 , 62 , 63 , 66 , 69 , 70 , 72 – 74 ); while 16 of the 27 studies included only patients with AN ( 8 , 49 – 57 , 61 , 64 , 65 , 67 , 68 , 71 , 75 ). Ten studies were conducted with inpatients ( 49 , 50 , 60 , 62 , 64 , 66 , 68 , 69 , 74 , 75 ), 15 were conducted with outpatients ( 51 – 53 , 56 – 59 , 61 , 63 , 65 , 67 , 70 – 73 ) and 2 did not report the treatment setting ( 8 , 54 , 55 ).…”

Effect of Dance Movement Therapy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Pre-post Intervention Study

“…It demonstrated significant improvement in mood after each DMT session. There was a decreased sense of fear, improvement in the overall attitude and feeling of joy which helped them to fight the chronic disease with self-confidence [29].…”

Inpatient Rehabilitation during Intensive Refeeding in Severe Anorexia Nervosa

“…The study was also declared to the Research Department of the University Hospital. The study was in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki [ 20 ].…”

“…Since then, different meta-analyses have shown that muscle strength and function were improved without negative effects on anthropometric measurements (body weight and BMI) in the case of calorie intake adjustment [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The practice of physical activities could also improve body perception, eating disorder symptoms, mood, and quality of life [ 14 , 17 , 19 , 20 ]. However, controlling physical activities is essential because of the malnourished state of the subjects, who may also present hyperactivity [ 21 ].…”