AI Insight
This meta-analysis of 20 experimental and quasi-experimental studies examined the effects of folk dance versus other dance forms on psychosocial outcomes. Dance interventions showed an overall moderate positive effect (g = 0.66), with folk dance producing a numerically larger but not statistically significant difference compared to other dance forms (g = 0.76 vs g = 0.58). Dance type accounted for approximately 37% of variance between studies, though this relationship was not statistically significant.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that both folk dance and other dance forms can serve as effective interventions for improving psychosocial well-being, with no clear superiority of one type over another. This supports the use of diverse dance-based programs in clinical, educational, and community settings to enhance mental health and social functioning.
Understand the Science
IntroductionThis study aimed to determine the effects of folk dance interventions on individuals’ psychosocial outcomes and to compare these effects with those of other dance forms.MethodsA meta-analytic design was used, and experimental and quasi-experimental studies published between 2000 and 2026 were reviewed. A total of 20 independent studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 examined folk dance interventions and 10 examined other dance forms. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g, and the main analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. Subgroup differences were tested using a mixed-effects model, and the extent to which dance type accounted for between-study variance was examined through meta-regression.ResultsThe findings showed a positive, moderate, and statistically significant overall effect of dance interventions on psychosocial outcomes (g = 0.66, 95% CI [0.40, 0.92]). The pooled effect size was g = 0.58 for other dance forms and g = 0.76 for folk dance interventions. Although the effect size for folk dance interventions was numerically larger, the difference between the two subgroups was not statistically significant [Qm(1) = 1.06, p = 0.304]. Dance type accounted for approximately 37% of the observed between-study variance; however, the meta-regression coefficient was not statistically significant.DiscussionThese results suggest that folk dance interventions and other dance forms may provide comparable benefits for psychosocial outcomes. Nevertheless, the findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the high level of heterogeneity, the limited number of studies, and the possibility of publication bias.
Source: Psychosocial outcomes of folk dance interventions compared with other dance forms: a meta-analysis