| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY TRANSFORMATION OF WOMEN'S IDENTITY DURING MENOPAUSE THROUGH DANCE-MOVEMENT THERAPY Relevance of the topic: Menopause marks a natural stage in a woman's reproductive aging, typically commencing around age 49. This transition is characterized by hormonal shifts that can bring about various physical and mental health alterations. While hormone therapy is a common recommendation for symptom alleviation, it may not be suitable for every woman. Hence, exploring alternative methods for symptom management becomes crucial. Dance-movement therapy could be one such method. Regrettably, there is a dearth of studies both in Lithuania and globally regarding how dance-movement therapy affects the physical and mental well-being of women going through menopausal symptoms Study Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how dance-movement therapy influences the self-perception of women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Participants: The study included 20 women undergoing menopausal symptoms. Methodology: Employing a mixed research approach, the study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Word 2021, and IBM SPSS 29.0.2.0 software, with a significance level set at α=0.05 for testing statistical hypotheses. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis as per Braun and Clarke (2006). The participants engaged in a dance-movement therapy program conducted over two cycles: from February 9, 2023, to May 18, 2023, and from September 5, 2023, to December 14, 2023. The therapy sessions occurred once a week for a total of 11 weeks, each session lasting 3 hours. Conclusions: The most common symptoms experienced by menopausal women include hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, and poor concentration. Dance-movement therapy positively impacts various physical health indicators in women undergoing menopause, such as the cardiovascular system, balance, range of movements, expressiveness, and the involvement of different body parts in movement. This therapy also fosters the ability to dance with a partner or in a group, encourages closer communication with the therapist and other group members, and supports emotional health. It provides a safe and accepting space to navigate the inevitable changes of menopause, helping women adapt to shifts in their identity and discover their new selves during this transformative phase. Keywords: menopause, dance-movement therapy, anxiety, libido, Oganesian. |
