Thesis
The four pursuits of joy: cultivating well-being through strengths-based DMT with Black adolescents
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4377
Abstract
"The Four Pursuits of Joy" is an Informed-Practice Approach and Application that seeks to explore a Strengths-Based Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) model that elicits joy, empowerment, and increased wellness among Black adolescents in a school setting. The approach was implemented at the author's internship site in a majority-minority city in the United States that predominantly serves Black adolescents who often experience unique and distinct challenges due to historical and systemic oppression that manifests in school environments. "The Four Pursuits of Joy" relies on decolonized, strengths-based DMT models that support well-being and increase feelings of connection, belonging, and empowerment, generating a newfound experience of ownership and agency that can stretch beyond the classroom. Literature such as decolonized DMT approaches (Herard-Marshall & Rivera, 2019), Liberation Psychology (Martín-Baró, 1994), Strengths-based therapy (Kossak, 2015), Black joy (Lawson, 2024) and research on the unique challenges (Henning, 2024) of Black adolescents in school settings was reviewed for this approach. Four case narratives are provided to describe the implementation of the approach within the methods section, along with a description of the application, elicited movement outcomes, and the therapist's experience from implementing the approach. The discussion incorporates the author's reflection, discoveries, and limitations within the work. "The Four Pursuits of Joy" demonstrates a need for further research on integrating strengths-Based or decolonized DMT counseling services for Black adolescents in school-based settings. The appendix provides guiding tools, including an assessment and movement observation sheet, four Strength-Based DMT interventions with descriptions and movement outcomes, and an infographic for teachers and administrators to rely on in cultivating a culturally responsive environment in their classrooms and school communities.
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Details
- Title
- The four pursuits of joy
- Creators
- Rayna Richardson
- Contributors
- Mary Lynn Patterson (Advisor) - Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 66 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014632542104721