HOW DANCE AFFECTS THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DEVIATIONS

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of dance on the psychological development of children with developmental deviations, including emotional-volitional, cognitive, and motor impairments. The research employs methods of theoretical analysis of scientific literature, empirical data on the application of dance therapy, and their practical interpretation. The mechanisms of dance's influence on emotional regulation, social adaptation, cognitive development, body image formation, and stress reduction are examined. The results of the study demonstrate that dance activities improve children's emotional well-being, enhance social skills and cognitive functions, increase self-confidence, and reduce anxiety levels. Dance therapy has proven to be an effective universal psychocorrectional method that allows for the adaptation of sessions to meet the individual needs of the child. The obtained data substantiate the feasibility of incorporating dance into rehabilitation programs for children with special needs.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Целью исследования является анализ влияния танцев на психическое развитие детей с отклонениями от нормы, включая эмоционально-волевые, когнитивные и двигательные нарушения. В работе использованы методы теоретического анализа научной литературы, эмпирические данные о применении танцевальной терапии и их практическая интерпретация. Рассматриваются механизмы воздействия танцев на эмоциональную регуляцию, социальную адаптацию, когнитивное развитие, формирование позитивного образа тела и снижение уровня стресса. Результаты исследования показывают, что занятия танцами способствуют улучшению эмоционального состояния детей, развитию социальных навыков и когнитивных функций. Отмечено повышение уверенности в себе и снижение уровня тревожности. Танцевальная терапия доказала свою эффективность как универсальный метод психокоррекции, позволяющий адаптировать занятия под индивидуальные потребности ребенка. Полученные данные обосновывают целесообразность включения танцев в программы реабилитации детей с особыми потребностями.

Keywords: dance therapy, children with developmental deviations, psychological development, social adaptation, emotional regulation.

Ключевые слова: танцевальная терапия, дети с отклонениями, психическое развитие, социальная адаптация, эмоциональная регуляция.

Introduction

In modern correctional pedagogy and clinical psychology, dance therapy is gaining particular significance as an effective method of psychocorrectional work with children who have developmental disorders. This research aims to comprehensively analyze the influence of dance on the psychoemotional, cognitive, and social development of children with various disorders, including emotional-volitional disorders, motor dysfunctions, and cognitive difficulties. The main objectives of this work are: determining the mechanisms of dance practices' impact on emotional regulation and anxiety reduction; studying the role of group dance activities in overcoming social isolation and developing communication skills; researching the influence of rhythmic movements on cognitive processes and neuroplasticity; analyzing the possibilities of dance therapy for forming a positive body image and increasing self-esteem in children with special needs; developing methodological recommendations for individualizing dance programs considering the specific developmental disorders of the child.

Materials and Research Objectives

The methodological foundation of the research was a comprehensive approach combining theoretical analysis of domestic and foreign scientific literature on the impact of dance therapy on the psyche of children with developmental disorders, collection and systematization of empirical data, as well as their practical interpretation. The work employed methods of comparative analysis of dance-movement therapy studies with emphasis on various aspects of child development: emotional-volitional sphere, social adaptation, cognitive functions, and bodily self-perception. The study included analysis of biochemical indicators (levels of cortisol, endorphins, and serotonin) for objective assessment of the psychoemotional state of children with various types of disorders before and after dance sessions. Systematization of observations of group and individual dance activity of children with disabilities revealed key mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of dance, including neurological, psychological, and social components. Special attention was paid to a differentiated approach to analyzing the effectiveness of various types of dance activity (narrative dances, improvisation, elements of Indian dance, rhythmic exercises) depending on the specifics of developmental deviations.

Results and Discussion

Dance plays an important role in the emotional regulation of children with developmental disorders. Often such children experience difficulties in expressing their feelings and managing emotional states. Dance becomes a safe space for their nonverbal self-expression. Through movement, a child can convey emotions that they are unable to express in words, whether fear, joy, or aggression.

Research shows that dance activates the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for processing emotions. During sessions, endorphins and serotonin are released—neurotransmitters that improve mood and reduce anxiety levels [1, p.19]. This is especially important for children with increased emotional excitability or depressive states. For example, elements of music therapy in dance help calm or activate a child depending on the nature of the music.

Additionally, dance contributes to relieving muscle tension that often occurs in children with emotional disorders. These tensions are somatic manifestations of suppressed emotions. Through rhythmic movements, the child learns to release tension, which reduces stress levels and improves overall mental state.

Social isolation is a common problem among children with developmental disorders. Group dance sessions create unique conditions for socialization. During such sessions, children interact with each other, learn to coordinate their actions, and develop empathy. This is especially important for children with communication disorders or autism [3, p.45].

Group dances require synchronization of movements and physical contact (for example, holding hands), which helps overcome communication barriers even in the most withdrawn children. Gradually, such children begin to imitate the actions of other group participants, which is an important stage of learning through observation. This imitation forms the foundations of social behavior and helps the child feel part of a collective.

Narrative dances or improvisational exercises where children can interact through role-play are especially effective. Such activities promote the development of communication skills and strengthen self-confidence.

Dance stimulates cognitive processes due to the need to memorize movements, sequences, and rhythms. For children with mental developmental delays, this becomes a powerful tool for training memory and attention. For example, motor memory actively develops when performing complex dance combinations [4].

Furthermore, dance classes increase brain neuroplasticity—the ability of the nervous system to adapt to new conditions. This is especially important for children with cognitive impairments, as it promotes the formation of new neural connections. Regular classes improve concentration and the ability to engage in prolonged mental activity [6].

Spatial thinking is also actively developed due to the need to navigate in space while performing movements. Children learn to understand the relationship between their body and the surrounding world, which positively affects their cognitive abilities.

Children with motor disorders or low self-esteem often experience difficulties in accepting their bodies. Dance helps them recognize their physical capabilities and improve perception of their own body through movement. This is especially important for children with musculoskeletal disorders who have reduced motor activity [5].

Dance therapy aimed at creating a positive body image in a child is a powerful tool for psychocorrection that contributes to improved self-esteem, emotional state, and physical perception. Awareness of one's body through dance movements allows children to perceive it as a source of strength and beauty. This is especially important for children with low self-esteem or disorders in accepting their own body. Gradual mastery of new movements helps not only improve physical coordination but also strengthen self-confidence [2, p.37].

A positive body image is formed through awareness of the uniqueness and capabilities of one's organism. For example, elements of Indian dance, such as "abhinaya," develop facial expressions and fine motor skills, which contributes to improved nonverbal communication and emotional expressiveness. The uniqueness of Indian dance lies in its ability to connect physical movement with deep emotional experiences, which helps the child better understand themselves and their feelings.

Figure 1. An open lesson by psychologist Anastasia Sergeevna Dzhandarova in the senior group with elements of choreography

Dance therapy also helps relieve muscle tension and stress that often occur in children with emotional difficulties. Rhythmic movements allow the body to relax, which leads to reduced anxiety levels and general emotional stabilization. Children begin to perceive their body as something harmonious and beautiful, which is directly related to their self-image.

The formation of a positive body image has a significant impact on a child's self-esteem. Awareness of their achievements in dance strengthens self-confidence and helps overcome internal barriers. Children begin to see their success not only physically but also in social adaptation, as dance classes often take place in groups [4].

An important aspect is the connection between bodily experience and emotional state. Dance-movement therapy allows children to explore their feelings through movement, which deepens their understanding of themselves. This is especially effective when working with children with disabilities, as such activities help them integrate physical and emotional perception [7].

Dance performs the function of mental relaxation through the combination of rhythmic movements and music. Musical accompaniment has a powerful effect on the child's emotional state: it helps to relax or mobilize depending on the nature of the melody. For example, exercises like "Water and Ice" alternate muscle tension and relaxation, helping to remove psychoemotional blockages. The reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) levels after sessions is confirmed by research. This is especially important for children with chronic stress or anxiety disorders. Regular classes not only stabilize the child's emotional background but also improve their overall well-being.

Figure 2. An open lesson by psychologist Anastasia Sergeevna Dzhandarova in the senior group with elements of choreography

Dance is an art form that stimulates a child's imagination and creativity. Improvisational exercises teach children to freely express their thoughts through movements, which develops their creative abilities. Such activities help children better understand their emotions and find non-standard solutions in difficult situations.

For children with disabilities, the creative component of dance becomes a way to overcome internal barriers. Narrative or variety dances allow the child to try on different roles, which contributes to the development of individuality [7].

Figure 3. An open lesson by psychologist Anastasia Sergeevna Dzhandarova in the senior group with elements of choreography

Despite the numerous benefits of dance for children with developmental disorders, it is important to consider their individual characteristics:

• Children with motor disorders may need adapted exercises.
• For children with increased anxiety, it is necessary to create a supportive atmosphere without a competitive element.
• Medical contraindications should be carefully analyzed before starting classes.

The effectiveness of classes directly depends on the professionalism of teachers and their ability to find an approach to each child. Individualization of the program allows achieving maximum therapeutic effect.

Dance has a complex effect on the psyche of children with developmental disorders: it contributes to emotional regulation, development of social skills, cognitive growth, and formation of a positive body image. Dance therapy is a universal method of correcting mental processes through bodily experience.

To achieve maximum effect, it is important to consider the individual characteristics of the child and use a differentiated approach to organizing classes. Including dance in rehabilitation programs can significantly improve the quality of life of such children both psychologically and in social adaptation.

Conclusion

The results of the conducted research convincingly demonstrate the multifaceted positive influence of dance therapy on the mental development of children with developmental disorders. Empirical data indicate a significant improvement in emotional regulation in the examined children, manifested in reduced anxiety levels, normalization of psychoemotional state, and increased stress resistance. Biochemical studies confirm positive dynamics at the neurophysiological level: activation of the limbic system, release of endorphins and serotonin, and decreased cortisol concentration in the blood. In the cognitive sphere, improvement in memory, attention, and spatial thinking indicators was noted, which correlates with increased brain neuroplasticity. Particularly significant results were obtained in the area of social adaptation: group dance classes contributed to overcoming communication barriers even in children with pronounced communication disorders, including autism spectrum disorders.

Comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic effects of dance practices indicates their high effectiveness in forming a positive body image and strengthening self-esteem in children with various developmental disorders. It has been documented that systematic dance classes help children recognize their physical capabilities, accept their own body, and perceive it as a source of strength and beauty. Dance-movement therapy has proven effective in relieving muscle tension and psychoemotional blockages, which is especially important for children with motor disorders and emotional disturbances. The effectiveness of narrative and improvisational dances in developing creative potential and finding non-standard solutions in difficult situations has been experimentally confirmed. The obtained results allow considering dance therapy as a universal method of psychocorrection, demonstrating high adaptability to individual characteristics of children with various forms of developmental deviations.

The research results allow considering dance therapy as a universal method of psychocorrection, possessing significant adaptability to individual characteristics of children with various forms of developmental disorders. Of particular value is the ability of dance practices to simultaneously impact different aspects of development: improving spatial thinking and memory, overcoming social isolation, forming a positive body image, and stimulating creative potential, which justifies the expediency of broadly including dance therapy in rehabilitation and habilitation programs for children with special educational needs.

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