The master's thesis examines how dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) can help people with schizophrenia and how effective it is. A descriptive method and a qualitative research approach were used. The theoretical part presents the characteristics of schizophrenia, including symptoms, movement disorders and treatment. The foundations of DMP are described, along with the methods and techniques developed by the pioneers of DMP, Marian Chace and Trudi Schoop in their work with people with schizophrenia. The important concepts are enactment, grounding and embodiment; through the latter, body memory and emotion regulation are explained. DMP goals for working with people with schizophrenia are described, as well as the BASCICS model, which promotes body and self-awareness and connection with others. Previous research on the effectiveness of DMP in the treatment of schizophrenia and the protocols used in the sessions are presented. Based on a literature review, a DMP workshop protocol for working with people with schizophrenia is designed and its effectiveness is tested in a research study
The practical part of the research is based on a qualitative analysis of the workshop participants' experiences. Only one patient with schizophrenia attended the workshop, so the study also included students and employees of a high school dormitory, who participated in separate workshops conducted according to the same protocol.
The results of the study cannot be generalised to a group of people with schizophrenia, but the patient involved reported an improvement in his physical well-being and mood, and a feeling of connectedness with the therapist. Students and employees also reported an improvement in well-being, both psychological (relaxation, calmness, happiness, carefree, expressing feelings, self-care) and physical (physical relaxation, pain relief, more energy), and that they felt connected and relaxed in the group, aware of their similarities and differences and the importance of compassion. In conclusion, the DMP workshop had a positive impact on the psychological, physical and social well-being of the participants.
The research contributes to a better understanding of DMP as a complementary method in the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia. The presented methods, concepts, and the designed workshop protocol offer guidelines for further research and practice in dance-movement psychotherapy.
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