Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS in Dance/Movement Therapy

First Advisor

Elise Risher

Abstract

Abstract

A pregnant person’s experiences during the gestational period are influential factors that shape the developmental trajectory of the fetus. The intricate interplay between a pregnant person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is significant in understanding this development. A pregnant person’s past, present, and generationally transmitted psychological experiences may impact the cognitive, emotional, and physiological development of the fetus. High levels of maternal stress have been associated with an increased risk of adverse physical outcomes. Maternal mental health, encompassing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, has been linked to adverse outcomes in offspring. The emotional connection between a mother and their unborn child, or maternal-fetal bonding, is a key aspect of prenatal development. Positive maternal experiences, including a supportive social environment and strong perinatal bonding, have been associated with favorable emotional regulation and resilience in the child. On the contrary, maternal distress may contribute to a heightened risk of emotional and behavioral challenges later in life. Psychosocial support and mindfulness-based interventions during pregnancy have shown promise in improving maternal mental health and positively influencing fetal outcomes. Due to its capacity to address the body-mind connection, dance/movement therapy offers itself as a logical intervention during this time.

Keywords: dance/movement therapy, intergenerational trauma, generational trauma, trauma, depression, anxiety, pregnancy, antenatal, pregnant person, maternal, fetus, maternal-baby bonding, nervous system, cortisol, vagus nerve, grounding, Laban, rhythm, attunement, support

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