Contributions of dance therapy to the emotional aspect of people with physical disabilities in a rehabilitation program

Abstract

Dance therapy stimulates the discovery of movements, the perception of emotions, and the recognition of opportunities that foster social inclusion. Objective: To analyze the contribution of dance therapy to the emotional aspect of patients in Rehabilitation, based on their self-perceptions. Method: The study included 23 patients in 4 groups, which lasted 4 months each. A questionnaire was applied at the beginning and at end of the program, and they were asked to draw themselves at those two moments. Results: 69.56% of the participants reported good self-esteem before, and 95.65% at the end. An improvement in sociability was perceived, as 69.56% considered themselves shy at the first moment, and 43.47% at the end. We observed greater creativity, 86.95% of the patients (65.21% earlier); and a reduced sense of sadness, just 4.43% (52.17% before). As for difficulties in communicating, there was also a significant reduction: 13.04% reported always having it originally, 4.34% after the program. The drawings in the 2nd assessment were more detailed, proportionate, and centered on the sheet of paper; we also perceived better body awareness, improved self-esteem and greater perception of personal characteristics. Conclusion: Dance therapy provided a significant change in the emotional aspect of the participants of this study, allowing improvement in their perception of possibilities for themselves, increased self-esteem, and greater socialization skills; this favored their contact with their own bodies, contributing to a new perception of themselves.