Humor and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with Adolescents Dealing with Depression and Anxiety: A Literature Review

Author

Novick Leora, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-26-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MAE - Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Jason D. Butler

Abstract

Researchers have found that anxiety and depression are prevalent diagnoses within the adolescent population, due to increased stressors in several areas of their lives. Research also suggests that humor leads to increased social bonding, and that it can be a powerful tool for encouraging the expression of emotions. Finally, dance movement therapy (DMT) has been found to be a successful practice with adolescents, due to its non-verbal nature and relevance to body image. However, research regarding specific DMT interventions involving humor is lacking. This literature review examines the impact of humor on adolescents with depression and anxiety, and its possible intersections with dance movement therapy. The literature suggests that adolescents could benefit from DMT interventions potentially involving humor, such as mirroring, exaggeration, and working through metaphor. This literature review provides recommendations for interventions, as well as for further research on this topic.

Keywords: dance movement therapy, psychotherapy, depression, anxiety, humor, laughing, and adolescents.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Leora, Novick, "Humor and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with Adolescents Dealing with Depression and Anxiety: A Literature Review" (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 19.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/19