Adolescents, Empathy and Dance Movement Therapy, A Literature Review

Author

Jessica Tokarchuk, Lesley UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Kelvin Ramirez

Abstract

Abstract

Aggression and violence among adolescents in the school setting has continued to increase in the past several years. Empathy is related to decreased aggression in adolescents. Teaching empathy and other prosocial skills in school has been shown to decrease aggression. Several researchers have presented curriculum and methods to teach these skills, however violence and aggression continue to occur at high rates in schools in America. Current methods used in schools in America need to be developed with different approaches. The development of a strong sense-of-self, self-esteem and emotion-regulation are needed to support the development of empathy. Secure attachments throughout childhood influence the ability to build empathy and other prosocial skills. Dance Movement Therapy and mindfulness training are two methods that can be integrated with existing practices to teach empathy to adolescents. The use of body, self-awareness, attachment theory, emotional expression and identification in Dance Movement Therapy and Mindfulness, support the development of necessary prosocial skills that prepare adolescents for developing empathy.

Creative Commons License

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

Recommended Citation

Tokarchuk, Jessica, "Adolescents, Empathy and Dance Movement Therapy, A Literature Review" (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 45.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/45