Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Dr. Wendy Allen
Abstract
This capstone thesis project explored the effectiveness of integrating dance/movement therapy (DMT) and yoga as a culturally informed group therapeutic intervention to ameliorate acculturative stress among South Asian immigrants domiciling in the U.S. Existing research has shown that stigmatization of mental illness and traditional therapeutic approaches among South Asian communities is highly prevalent. The Western medical model poses barriers for immigrant populations who prefer holistic and naturalistic healing methods that align with cultural practices and values. Creative practice can potentially be an alternative methodology in combination with these cultural beliefs, especially through movement to access a somatic form of healing. This community engagement project aimed to offer a culturally-informed approach to DMT to recognize stress and negative mental health outcomes resulting from acculturative stress. The current method consisted of combining aspects of yogic practice and DMT in a singular session format for 10 adult immigrants identifying as South Asian. Metaphoric movements were created by participants to represent themes of isolation, community building, resilience, liberation, opportunity, gratitude, identify shifts and spirituality. Future directions are discussed to further uplift and advocate for DMT research with this population.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Dabeer, Shreya V., "A Culturally-Informed Integration of Dance/Movement Therapy and Yogic Practice for South Asian Immigrants: A Community Engagement Project" (2025). Expressive Therapies Theses. 78.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/78
