Thesis
Assessment in dance/movement therapy practice: a state of the field survey
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Aug 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-2944
Abstract
The specific objective of this study was to survey dance/movement therapists and how they assess their client's psychosocial functioning in the context of their clinical practices. The problem that was addressed is the insufficient understanding of how patients are being assessed throughout the field of dance/movement therapy (DMT). The ambiguity regarding the use of assessment tools creates difficulties in recognizing how the field is sufficiently or insufficiently understanding patients. It is important to address this problem because assessment is integral to creating a baseline for treatment and determining the direction in which therapy should progress. In addition, there are ethical implications with regards to standards of practice. In DMT, as in all health care fields, it is necessary for practitioners to know what assessment methods their colleagues are using in order to engage in evidence-based practice. This study consisted of a web-based survey of dance/movement therapists currently working in the field. The survey addressed aspects of their clinical work regarding background information, a clinical service description, and clinical DMT assessment information. Dance/movement therapists throughout the world, 1,025 potential respondents, were invited to respond to this survey. There were 62 survey responses. The majority of respondents reported that they assess their patients and do so through an ongoing process. In addition, the majority of respondents reported that they use formal assessment methods as opposed to informal means. The results of this study suggest that respondents may have had an unclear perception of the need for systematicassessment as well as what this should entail. Because there is little research validating the existing assessment tools, as well as the great deal of time necessary to complete many of these instruments, the field of DMT is currently without a standardized assessment process. This author submits that without this, the growth and validity of the field are compromised and steps should be taken to address this problem as the field continues to mature.
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Details
- Title
- Assessment in dance/movement therapy practice
- Creators
- Megan Andre Powell - DU
- Contributors
- Sherry W. Goodill (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
- 2944; 991014632947504721