Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Dr. Ara Parker

Abstract

Dance/movement Therapy (D/MT) is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes the creativity in movement to express emotion, imagination, vulnerability, and identity. The non-verbal process that takes place within the context of D/MT appears within the activity of movement; a moment considered to be a rhythmic exploration and personal process with the body for mental and physical well-being. The integrative aspect of mind-body connectivity within D/MT has potential to be a supportive practice for pregnant women and their physiological changes of development. In recent years, researchers have turned to complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) such as dance/ movement therapy, whether it is as a therapeutic technique of movement for pregnant women or a method of exercise that encourages positive mental health. Historically, the practice of midwifery and midwives themselves have followed a framework that recognizes the child-bearing women as active partners in the process of maternal care. This is to insure a healthy, positive, and safe development of relationship; also known as midwifery partnership. This literature review examines mind/body connectivity that is encouraged by D/MT, while also providing a subjective yet descriptive argument that integrates mind-body connection within the framework of midwifery partnership. Furthermore, this review highlights positive outcomes of using dance and movement with pregnant women and compiles important literature that should consider dance/movement therapy as a holistic approach in midwifery practice.

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

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