Thesis
Using nature as a resource in dance/movement therapy with older adults
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D85381
Abstract
About 1.3 million adults older than 65 live in long-term care facilities (Newman & Newman, 2015). Common to this population are the challenges of cognitive limitation and the loss of sense of self imposed by dementia, the deterioration of physical functioning, social isolation and loneliness, as well as end of life concerns. This capstone project outlines a method for the incorporation of nature and natural elements in dance/movement therapy (DMT) sessions to address the psychosocial crises of this age. A review of the literature identified reminiscence, sensory stimulation, socialization, and movement as meaningful supports for this population. Elements of nature can be agents of support in all of these therapeutic modes and were the basis for exploring the incorporation of nature into DMT sessions over the course of five weeks. The outcome of this exploration was the development of a flexible method that outlines various options for introducing nature into a session. Introduction of elements of nature into a session often involved an active therapist led structure and concrete activity, however, with attention to responding to what emerged from the participants within the activity. Clinical vignettes illustrate how nature and DMT interacted with reference to the identified modes of support. For older adults, to feel connection to life is critical as they are coming to terms with the ending of their own. In these sessions nature and DMT served as a medium to support and address the psychosocial crises of participants while promoting a sense of mastery and connection. Elements of nature may be a bridge to self, others, and the world outside the walls of the nursing home.
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Details
- Title
- Using nature as a resource in dance/movement therapy with older adults
- Creators
- Mia Heckstall - 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
- Number of pages
- v, 62 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8095; 991014632559104721