The Effects of Interpersonal Variables and Dance on the Well-Being of Informal Caregivers

The purpose of this research was to explore how interpersonal variables and dance may benefit caregivers. In Study 1, 20 couples coping with Parkinsons disease (PD) were surveyed about their attitudes toward their partners, in general, and also within a Dancing with Parkinsons (DwP) class. Appreciation for ones partner was associated with greater relationship satisfaction, and when care partners reported more self-expansion, they were more satisfied in their relationship, and reported less caregiver burden. When couples attended DwP together, both care partners and PwPD reported feeling more positive emotions towards their partner. In Study 2, a pilot dance movement therapy (DMT) group for parents who have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder was assessed. Five parents reported that DMT was self-expanding, burden relieving and elicited social support, mindfulness, and fun. Dance interventions for caregivers should continue to be investigated, with larger and more diverse samples.