Abstract
BackgroundBody 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.Method14 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.ResultsBetween 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.ConclusionThese 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.
Highlights
Body image disturbance and alexithymia are two core aspects of Eating Disorders (EDs)
Between the pre- and post-intervention, the participants of the Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) group significantly improved in Body Areas Satisfaction and Appearance Evaluation, and they decreased significantly in Appearance Orientation
To the authors’ knowledge, the present pilot study is the first controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a DMT intervention on body image and alexithymia in a mixed group of patients with EDs, i.e., AN and EDNOS
Summary
Body image disturbance and alexithymia are two core aspects of Eating Disorders (EDs). 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 explored their experience of the therapeutic process. Patients with EDs are often not content with the treatment they receive according to a review of qualitative research [7]. In light of these findings, many authors have underlined the need for novel approaches to treat EDs [8, 9]
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