| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis examines how women who have experienced the loss of a significant other through divorce undergo emotional and bodily changes in the context of dance/movement therapy. The study draws on attachment theory, neurobiological research, and somatic understandings of loss, which show that divorce affects not only emotional but also physiological states. The aim of the research is to understand how women who have experienced relationship dissolution perceive and live through the dance/movement therapy process. The objectives include discussing the biopsychosocial aspects of romantic partner loss, analysing women’s experiences during dance/movement therapy, and evaluating the characteristics of the therapeutic process in the context of divorce. The study was conducted using a qualitative design and reflexive thematic analysis, supplemented by a somatic–phenomenological approach that allowed the researcher to incorporate bodily sensations, emotional resonance, and embodied understanding. Data were collected between January and March 2026 in Vilnius through confidential interviews with women who had experienced divorce and participated in dance/movement therapy in groups or individually. The analysis showed that dance/movement therapy helps regulate psychophysiological processes related to the loss of a significant other—a romantic partner—by reducing tension, strengthening body awareness, and supporting the integration of emotional experiences. Participants emphasized the importance of co-regulation, rhythmic movement, and a safe environment, which helped restore a sense of security and emotional stability. The findings revealed that divorce manifested in the body as numbness, tension, and lack of energy, while dance/movement therapy created conditions for a gradual return to movement. The safety of the therapeutic environment became essential for nervous system regulation, and emotional release occurred through the body, highlighting the importance of recognizing bodily signals. Participants experienced conflicting feelings between longing for closeness and avoiding it, yet the therapy groups provided an opportunity to be among others without pressure to form close relationships. The study also highlighted the role of the therapist—her embodied presence and guidance functioned as stabilizing and safety enhancing factors. |
