Recovery of Depressive Symptoms in Art and Dance Schools

“Performing Emotions and Suffering.” Recovery of Depressive Symptoms Involving Adolescent Intervention in Art and Dance Schools
José Carlos SANTOS, Helena QUARESMA, Cláudia CARMO, Jorge FAÇANHA, António NABAIS, Lurdes SIMEÃO, Cláudia CALÇAS, Ermelinda MATOS, Isabel CORUCHE, Rosa SIMÕES, Maria ERSE, Cândida LOUREIRO, Lúcia MARQUES & Marta BRÁS
EJMH Vol 17 Issue 3 (2022) 65-77; https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.17.2022.3.5
Received: 1 September 2021; Accepted: 18 September 2022; Online: 13 December 2022
Section: Research Papers
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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.