Intensive Tango Dance Program for People With Self-Referred Affective Symptoms

Authors

  • Rosa Pinniger BPsych
  • Einar B. Thorsteinsson PhD
  • Rhonda F. Brown PhD
  • Patricia McKinley PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v5i1.199

Abstract

Recent research shows that tango dance may be an effective strategy for influencing symptoms that contribute to mood disorders. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a short-duration intensive tango program (ie, 2 weeks). Forty-one participants were randomized to tango dance (11⁄2 hours, 4 times/week for 2 weeks) or to a wait-list control condition. Self-rated symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life and mindfulness were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 1 month later. Tango group participants showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia at posttest relative to the controls, whereas satisfaction with life and self-efficacy were significantly increased. At 1-month follow-up, depres- sion, anxiety, and stress levels remained reduced relative to the wait-list controls. Thus, this brief but intensive program of tango dance was shown to be an effective strategy in alleviating mood disorders in people who self-report these symptoms.

Author Biographies

Rosa Pinniger, BPsych

School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

Rosa Pinniger, BPsych, is currently completing her PhD at the University of New England, Australia.

Einar B. Thorsteinsson, PhD

School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

Einar B. Thorsteinsson, PhD, is a senior lecturer at the University of New England, Australia.

Rhonda F. Brown, PhD

Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Rhonda F. Brown, PhD, is an associate professor in health psychology at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Patricia McKinley, PhD

McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Patricia McKinley, PhD, is an associate professor at the McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

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