Re-inhabiting one’s body: A pilot study on the effects of dance movement therapy on body image and alexithymia in eating disorders

摘要

The effects of a 14-week DMT intervention on body image and alexithymia were tested in 12 patients with EDs. The DMT group ( =7) improved in various aspects of body image after the treatment, while no change occurred in the control group ( =5). Both groups continued to receive the standard treatment offered by the Clinic. Neither of the groups improved significantly in alexithymia scores. The qualitative analysis revealed that participants were satisfied with this intervention. According to this analysis, the DMT sessions increased their self-awareness, improved their mood states, and promoted the building of meaningful relationships. Taken together, the findings suggest that DMT could contribute to the treatment of EDs on various levels.