Effects of a 12-week dance intervention on left-behind children with co-occurring social anxiety and low self-concept
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week dance intervention on left-behind children (LBC) suffering from social anxiety and low self-concept, and to explore the relationship between social anxiety and self-concept. Methods Sixty LBC who met the criteria were selected from a school in Shaoyang City, Hunan Province, and were randomly divided into an Interventional group ( n = 30) and a Control group ( n = 30). The Interventional group received a 45-min dance intervention five times a week for 12 weeks, while the Control group maintained their original lifestyle. Social anxiety and self-concept were measured three times using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children and the Piers-Harris Child Self-concept Scale: at baseline (T0), post-intervention (12 weeks, T1), and follow-up (14 weeks after baseline, T2). Results (i) After the dance intervention, social anxiety and self-concept were significantly improved ( p < 0.05). (ii) There was a significant negative correlation between the change scores (T1 minus T0) of social anxiety and self-concept ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Dance intervention is an acceptable, practical and effective intervention that we can incorporate into a health programme to improve social anxiety and low self-concept in LBC.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Authors: Xiaolin Li, Qian Yang, Zhenqian Zhou, Ming Zeng, Chunxia Lu, Weixin Dong
Institutions: Hunan Normal University, Hunan Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4409825007