The University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Raising the Barre and Tiffany’s Dance Academy, has introduced the launch of a pioneering analysis examine, “Mood Changes in Dance Classes for Children and Adolescents.” This longitudinal examine goals to quantify the emotional advantages of standard dance observe in assuaging anxiousness and despair amongst adolescent females.
Led by Tiffany Henderson, proprietor of Tiffany’s Dance Academy and lead investigator at UPenn, the examine will observe dancers’ temper states over a number of years utilizing the PANAS-C (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Child Form) and a custom-designed mood-tracking app.
“In an era where adolescent mental health is increasingly at risk, we believe dance offers a unique combination of physical activity, artistic expression and social interaction that could be a powerful antidote,” says Henderson. “This study aims to provide concrete evidence of dance’s potential as a mental health intervention.”
The analysis is impressed by the work of famend psychologist Jonathan Haidt, creator of “The Anxious Generation” and “The Coddling of the American Mind,” which spotlight the challenges going through in the present day’s youth, notably the impression of lowered face-to-face interactions.
Key points of the examine embrace:
– Regular administration of the PANAS-C survey
– Real-time temper monitoring earlier than and after dance lessons utilizing a {custom} app
– Long-term follow-up to evaluate the cumulative results of dance on psychological well-being
Dance studio homeowners and dancers alike stand to profit from the examine’s findings, which might reshape approaches to bop training and youth psychological well being interventions.
“We’re not just teaching dance; we’re potentially offering a lifeline to adolescents struggling with mental health issues,” Henderson provides. “This study could validate what many in the dance community have long suspected – that dance has the power to transform lives.”
The examine is presently enrolling contributors from Tiffany’s Dance Academy, with plans to increase to different studios sooner or later. Results are anticipated to be revealed in main psychology and dance training journals over the approaching years.
For extra data, go to www.raisingthebarredance.org/upenn-mood-study.
Contact: Tiffany Henderson, Lead Investigator, UPenn “Mood Changes in Dance Classes for Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study” temper@raisingthebarredance.org
