Effects of dance movement therapy and other dance-related interventions on depressive symptoms: a meta-analysis of evidence in the past decade

Depression represents a leading global health challenge, with increasing demand for effective non-pharmacological interventions. Dance movement therapy (DMT) and other dance-based approaches have emerged as promising strategies for alleviating depressive symptoms, yet comprehensive synthesis of their efficacy remains limited. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of DMT and other dance interventions on depressive symptoms across populations studied to date, while examining potential moderators including intervention type, duration, and comorbidities. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; total n = 1,375 participants) published between 2014 and 2024. Studies were identified through searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and other major databases. Although eligibility criteria were designed to include both clinically diagnosed depression and subthreshold depressive symptoms, the included studies predominantly involved non-hospitalized individuals with elevated depressive symptoms assessed using self-report measures. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria, and data were analyzed using random-effects models. Dance-based interventions were associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Results showed comparable significant effects for DMT and other dance forms. Significant improvements were found in adult populations studied to date (18 <= age < 50: p < 0.001; age >= 50: p < 0.001), but not among adolescents. Moderate-duration interventions (4-12 weeks) demonstrated the most consistent effects. Benefits were observed in participants with comorbid chronic pain (p < 0.001) and mild cognitive impairment (p < 0.05), but not Parkinson's disease. These findings suggest that dance-based interventions may represent an accessible and multimodal approach for reducing depressive symptoms in predominantly community-based adult populations. Future research should address methodological limitations, improve population diversity, and further clarify applicability to adolescents and clinically diagnosed populations.