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An integrative review of direct and indirect pathways for development of spoken language, through dance/movement therapy
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An integrative review of direct and indirect pathways for development of spoken language, through dance/movement therapy

Aditi Vipul Trivedi
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/texq-te57
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Abstract

Dance therapy Movement therapy Speech Speech therapy Psycholinguistics
The profession of dance/movement therapy (DMT) has not recognized expressive, spoken language as an independent, viable outcome. The presence of only a single published case study on co-treatment of DMT and speech therapy highlights the glaring gap in the existing literature on this topic. While dance/movement therapists are trained to communicate with clients nonverbally, most individuals rely on spoken communication for everyday interactions. Hence, expanding the scope of practice from nonverbal to verbal expression is essential to facilitate generalization of therapeutic gains to settings beyond a DMT session. The purpose of this thesis was to systematically review and integrate literature from DMT and related fields (i.e., music therapy, speech and language therapy, human development, and special education) to understand how DMT could support the development of spoken language. Expressive aspects of spoken communication and a concentration on childhood were chosen as delimitations. An integrative review was undertaken to answer the research question 'What are the pathways through which dance/movement therapy can contribute to interventions for expressive, spoken language?" Following the organization of data into a literature matrix and a thematic analysis of it, four themes were identified: 1. Physiological basis of speech, 2. Cognitive processes involved in expressive, spoken language, 3. Social factors related to expressive, spoken language, and 4. Techniques for intervention. The first three themes indicated a need for bio-psycho-social goals and interventions. Physiological factors such as posture and breath support were recognized as directly addressing speech sound production. Cognitive and social factors including memory, regulation and expression of emotion, turn-taking, joint attention, and reading social cues were found to indirectly target the outcome. A combination of the factors under these themes affects what, when, and how a person chooses to communicate. The literature behind the fourth theme suggested techniques for interventions. Creativity, rhythm, synchrony, scaffolding, and client-directed approaches were found to be prevalent in interventions across multiple fields. These techniques, inherent in DMT, highlight its capacity to address expressive, spoken language as an outcome. Foundational concepts of dance/movement therapy and case vignettes based on clinical work were used to illustrate this argument.

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