Understanding the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy on Loneliness and Aggression of Underprivileged Children of an NGO
Achala V. Kumar, A. A. S. Azam, Fouzia Alsabah Shaikh
Annals of Neurosciences July 24, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/09727531261464280 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental pre-post design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Underprivileged children aged 10-16 years from an NGO in Delhi-NCR, India |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy (MBDMT) |
| Dose | 15 sessions of 60 minutes each |
| Duration | 15-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Measures | UCLA Loneliness Scale, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBDMT significantly reduced loneliness (t = 17.890, p < .01) and aggression (t = 20.290) in the treatment group compared to control, with effects persisting at 3-month follow-up (loneliness t = -2.760; aggression t = 8.053). |
Abstract
Background: Underprivileged children from low socio-economic backgrounds lack access to the resources that promote cognitive, emotional and social development. Cognitive stimulation and psychological support enhance the neurobehavioural responses in underprivileged children. Interventions like Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy (MBDMT) are inter-modal psychotherapy, enhancing mind and body integration, improving emotional regulation and alleviating mental health problems like loneliness and aggression.
Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the effect of MBDMT on loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children of an NGO in Delhi-NCR, India.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post design was adopted, with 100 participants (aged 10–16 years) divided into treatment and control groups. The intervention consisted of 15 sessions (60 min each, for 15 weeks). UCLA Loneliness Scale and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire were administered pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months). Data was analysed through a paired samples t -test using SPSS.
Results: The t value of the treatment group was 17.890 at p < .01, indicating a significant reduction in loneliness post-MBDMT. The aggression score of the treatment group has a t value of 20.290, indicating a significant decrease in aggression post-intervention. The post-test scores of both treatment and control groups were analysed for loneliness and aggression; the t values were −3.322 and −6.723, indicating a significant decrease in loneliness and aggression in the treatment group. The comparison of post-test and follow-up of loneliness had a t value of −2.760. And the follow-up scores of aggression showed a significant t value of 8.053.
Conclusion: MBDMT is an effective community-based neurobehavioural intervention for reducing loneliness and aggression among underprivileged children. The results highlight the therapeutic value of mindfulness and movement-based expressive interventions in promoting emotional regulation and social connectedness in community settings. Although Indians have been known for practising classical dance forms, yoga and meditation for ages, schools should inculcate mindfulness and movement with the usual curriculum.