Thesis
An uncovered path: a thematic analysis study exploring the journey of the dance/movement therapist
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Mar 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7231
Abstract
The purpose of this thematic analysis study was to understand the motivating factors, experiences and influences, and personal attributes and interests that lead one to pursue dance/movement therapy as their career choice. The research question for this study was as follows: What motivating factors, experiences and influences, and personal attributes and interests lead one to pursue dance/movement therapy as their career choice? This study aimed to answer this question through thematic analysis of archived data in the form of admissions essays submitted as part of an application to an accredited dance/movement therapy graduate program, in which applicants were asked to address significant life experiences, personal development, family history, arts background, and service history in an autobiographic essay. Through an essentialist thematic analysis method utilizing initial and focused coding, six major categories were identified: The Experience of Dance as an Expressive Process that Provides Support; Experiences with Trauma and/or Suffering; Influential and Impactful Relationships; Exposure to Dance/Movement Therapy; Exposure to/Experience with Mental Illness; and Interests in Body Work/Creative Arts as well as Helping/Empathetic Attributes and Interests. Themes involving the nature of relationships and an innate propulsion and desire to relate and connect with people through various forms were among the most emphasized themes uncovered.
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Details
- Title
- An uncovered path
- Creators
- Kaitlyn Clark - DU
- Contributors
- Ellen Schelly Hill (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7231; 991014632726204721