Effects of Biodanza on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality in University Students.

BACKGROUND: The existing literature shows dance to be an innovative and successful form of stress management. Previous research indicates that Biodanza is able to increase well-being and personal resources and prevent stress. However, Biodanza has not yet been empirically tested as a possible therapy for application outside the clinical context in young adults with perceived stress.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Biodanza in reducing symptoms of perceived stress and depression and in promoting sleep quality in young adults, comparing the changes with those observed in a control group.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS/LOCATION: This study was carried out at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Almería.

SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty-one university students with perceived stress were randomly placed into either a Biodanza group or a wait-list control group.

INTERVENTION: Study participants attended Biodanza sessions for 90 min a week, over a period of 4 weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression, perceived stress, and sleep quality were assessed both before and after intervention.

RESULTS: Ninety-five participants completed the program and were included in the statistical analysis. Significant differences in perceived stress [t (93) = 2.136; p = 0.015] and depression [t (93) = 2.738; p = 0.000] were observed after the Biodanza period. Pre/post analysis found that Biodanza also had a significant effect on depression (Cohen d = 1.88; p < 0.05) and perceived stress (Cohen d = 0.79; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The Biodanza program is an effective stress management strategy for students. The results of this study showed Biodanza to have a positive effect on perceived stress and depression in young adults. This demonstrates how artistic, collaborative, and psychophysical interventions are an effective means of preventing and managing these problems in university students.