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Thesis
Dance/movement therapy as an approach to the integration of body image with individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury: a synthesis of literature
Master of Arts (M.A.), Hahnemann University
Dec 1991
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-1091
Abstract
With advances in acute and post-acute care, the number of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are on the rise. This thesis reviews and synthesizes the literature on TBI, body image and its role in the process of rehabilitation, and support for dance/movement therapy as a tool for integration of self through the body with individuals surviving TBI. It is this author's conclusion that existing literature is supportive of the use of dance/movement therapy as a tool for integration of both the past and presently held sense of self through the body with the TBI patient. Research indicates that the survivors must adapt to cognitive, physical, and emotional changes in the self due to losses experienced as a result of the injury. The literature reveals that recovery appears to be somewhat developmental in nature and seems best facilitated by a multi-modal approach. This author observed that clients frequently describe the integration of previous and presently held body image through body referenced statements, either verbal or nonverbal (as loss of verbal articulation to express feelings is common with these individuals). The body is a universal reference point for the sensory experience and understanding of "self." The brain helps to organize and intake meaning of body level experiences on both conscious and unconscious levels. It appears that a psychological experience occurs in harmony with physical and cognitive processes. It is with this event that emotions become connected to the formation of one's sense of self in the world. While fragmentation in the experience, understanding of, and/or emotional attachment to the body/self is true for everyone, it is particularly important for TBI clients because of the loss of body/self. The literature reveals that dance/movement therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the many facets of an individual (cognitive, physical, and emotional) can be reformed into a meaningful whole. Due to the diffuse nature of brain injury, -research has been difficult and limited research exists with this population. To this date little research has been done specifically connecting dance/movement therapy as an approach in the integration of self with this population.
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Details
- Title
- Dance/movement therapy as an approach to the integration of body image with individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury
- Creators
- Donna Conwell - DH
- Contributors
- Sherry W. Goodill (Advisor) - DH
- Awarding Institution
- Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts in Therapy [Historical]; Hahnemann University (1982-1993); Mental Health (Technology/Sciences) [Historical]; School of Health Sciences and Humanities (1988-1993)
- Other Identifier
- 1091; 991014632566604721