| Abstract [eng] |
Title: The Importance of Dance Movement Therapy for The Emotional Health of Mothers Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Background. The number of children diagnosed with ASD is steadily increasing — in Lithuania, the number of diagnosed children grew more than 2.5 times between 2017 and 2023 (Institute of Hygiene, 2024). This growing statistical trend and expanding diagnostic practice affects an ever-increasing number of families, and particularly impacts mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder. Research data reveals that they experience chronic stress, elevated levels of anxiety and depression more frequently than other family members. DMT has been almost entirely unapplied and minimally researched for this target group in Lithuania.. Aim. To evaluate whether dance-movement therapy reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Objectives: (1) To review the scientific literature in order to examine the emotional health of mothers raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to explore the potential of Dance Movement Therapy; (2) To investigate stress and depression indicators among mothers of children with ASD and to determine the effect of Dance Movement Therapy on these indicators; (3) To analyse mothers' experiences of the effects of DMT on their emotional health. Methods. A mixed-methods research design was applied. Theoretical methods included a review, systematisation, comparison, and interpretation of scientific literature. In the quantitative study, two standardised instruments were used: the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); data were processed using IBM SPSS statistical software. Physiological monitoring (pulse rate measurement) was also conducted. In the qualitative study, structured reflective interviews were employed, and the data were analysed using content analysis, with results organised into tables of categories and subcategories. Results. The control group showed a high parental stress level (PSS 65±6 points), moderate depression (58.2%) and severe anxiety disorder (59.3%). The intervention group had a lower PSS (39.7±7.05 points). DMT significantly reduced (p<0.05) panic attack frequency and some aspects of anhedonia; heart rate decreased significantly (p<0.01) after sessions in 5 of 6 participants. No statistically significant change in PSS scores was found. Qualitative data revealed psychotherapeutic benefits: participants reported improved self-awareness, emotional recognition and expression, relaxation, a sense of community and the importance of time for themselves. Conclusions. Dance Movement Therapy had a positive effect on physiological indicators and certain psychoemotional health outcomes among mothers raising children with ASD; however, it did not produce a statistically significant reduction in parenting stress levels, which may be attributable to the small sample size and the brief duration of the intervention. The qualitative data support the potential of DMT as a meaningful psychoemotional support intervention for this population. Keywords: Dance Movement Therapy, emotional health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, parenting stress, mothers  . |
