The effects of dance or mindfulness programs on well-being

Research report in partial fulfillment of BA(Hons), School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University
Date submitted: 2010
Author / Researcher: Heidi Ch’ng

Abstract:
This study investigated the separate and combined effects of dance and mindfulness on well-being. Sixty adults (10 males, 50 females, M = 39.3 years) from the general community self-selected into an Improvisational Dance, Mindfulness Meditation or Contemporary Dance program for a five-six week period. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Orientations to Happiness Measure, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Satisfaction with Life Scale measured subjective well-being (SWB). Demographic circumstances were also recorded.

The main hypothesis that the Improvisational Dance group, as a combination of dance and mindfulness, would yield greater increases in SWB over the baseline to post-program period compared to the other groups was not supported. The prediction that mindfulness would increase the most over time for the Improvisational Dance and Mindfulness Meditation groups was not supported either. However, results partially supported the hypothesis that SWB would increase for each group over time as significant improvements were observed for mindfulness, engagement orientation, life satisfaction and negative affect. The benefits of Improvisational Dance to well-being were similar to those elicited by the separate dance and mindfulness components. Findings can contribute to the effectiveness of dance and mindfulness interventions, although replication with a full experimental design is recommended. Copy of thesis can be obtained by emailing Heather at heatherhill3@bigpond.com