Understanding the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Dance Movement Therapy on Loneliness and Aggression of Underprivileged Children of an NGO.

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 Results: The 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.