“Performing Emotions and Suffering.” Recovery of Depressive Symptoms Involving Adolescent Intervention in Art and Dance Schools

Santos, José Carlos and Quaresma, Helena and Brás, Marta and Carmo, Cláudia and Façanha, Jorge and Nabais, António and Simeão, Lurdes and Calças, Cláudia and Matos, Ermelinda and Coruche, Isabel and Simões, Rosa and Erse, Mária and Loureiro, Cândida and Marques, Lúcia (2022) “Performing Emotions and Suffering.” Recovery of Depressive Symptoms Involving Adolescent Intervention in Art and Dance Schools. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH, 17 (3). pp. 65-77. ISSN 1788-7119

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Abstract

Introduction: In previous studies, a large majority of dance students reported mental health issues, mainly eating disorders and depression. Aims: This project aimed to promote mental health and well-being as well as prevent maladaptive and risky behaviors – namely suicidal behavior – among adolescents who attend art and dance schools. It was implemented in sequential stages, including six moments of classroom intervention for adolescents. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was applied, with two assessment moments (before and after the intervention) using questionnaires filled out by the adolescents. Results: The project was implemented in three art schools (Center and South of Portugal), and the sample consisted of 122 adolescents. 72.9% of our sample were girls aged 12–18 years (M = 13.88; SD = 1.54). Boys showed significantly higher well-being scores (M = 16.53; SD = 4.24 vs M = 14.67, SD = 4.17), and girls showed higher coping scores (M = 153.3; SD = 13.53 vs M = 146.73; SD = 13.22). Concerning depressive symptoms, 34.8% of adolescents had moderate/severe depressive symptoms, which decreased by 10% after the intervention. Conclusions: Adolescents attending art schools might be more vulnerable to developing mental distress, and this intervention proved to be an effective approach for promoting mental health and well-being as well as preventing suicidal behaviors.

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