Research
Pilot Data on Effects of Community Dance for Veterans with PTSD and their Family Members
Authors:
Robin Gustafson ,
Western Connecticut State University, US
Cynthia Corbitt,
University of Louisville, US
Deborah Denenfeld,
Dancing Well: the Soldier Project, US
Tyla Johnson,
Western Connecticut State University, US
Carlos Jimenez,
Western Connecticut State University, US
Marlon Tristao
Western Connecticut State University, US
Abstract
Prior research has shown that there are several symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that are persistently hard to treat and critically important for full recovery. Community reintegration can be an especially challenging aspect of returning home from combat duty. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a community dance program on some of these psychological symptoms. Community dance has been shown to strengthen cognitive plasticity which is often a problem for veterans with PTSD. This program also includes predictable gentle touch and family involvement, two elements that can predict stress reduction and successful community reintegration in those with PTSD. Before and after each ten-week community dance program, seventeen veterans and accompanying family members were measured on connectedness using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Revised (INQ-R) (Van Orden, Witte, Gordon, Bender, & Joiner, 2008), experience avoidance using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Version 2 (AAQ-II) (Bond, et al., 2011), and hope and optimism using a modified Life Orientation Test, Revised questionnaire (LOT-r ) Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994), combined into a wellness score. Each ten-week program consisted of weekly, 90-minute community dances with live music and a nationally recognized dance caller. We found improvements in wellness scores for all participants, regardless of PTSD status, partial h2 =0.52. We think this program, and programs like it, show great promise in treating some of the most persistent symptoms of PTSD in veterans and in their families.
How to Cite:
Gustafson, R., Corbitt, C., Denenfeld, D., Johnson, T., Jimenez, C., & Tristao, M. (2019). Pilot Data on Effects of Community Dance for Veterans with PTSD and their Family Members. Journal of Veterans Studies, 4(2), 238–248. DOI: http://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v4i2.68
Published on
29 Jul 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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