Enhancement of body awareness through dancing: Mediating effect on anxiety and depression

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported that dancing reduces anxiety and depression, and is more effective against depression than other forms of physical exercise. However, the elements of dancing that contribute to the reduction of anxiety and depression remain unclear. Body movement is a common element across the various types of dance. Dance movements may lead individuals to focus on their body awareness, potentially contributing to a reduction in anxiety and depression. This study hypothesized that dancing would reduce anxiety and depression by enhancing body awareness. The participants were 130 undergraduate or graduate students who did not habitually engage in dance. Each participant was monitored in a 15-minute individual session. The participants were randomly assigned to two conditions. In the dancing condition, the participant was asked to imitate a model in a video, whereas in the video-watching condition, the participant only watched the same video. Consequently, dancing enhanced body awareness, and one of the three types of body awareness mediated the reduction in anxiety and depression. The findings suggest that dancing promotes changes in body awareness, and that a more positive interpretation of bodily sensations contributes to the reduction of anxiety and depression.