Date of Award

8-2017

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

MS in Dance/Movement Therapy

Department

Dance/Movement Therapy Graduate Program

Abstract

This paper explores type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the risk factors associated from its diagnosis. In particular, this paper addresses the onset of T1D in adolescence, which is a developmental period riddled with its own challenges. T1D is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. Unregulated, T1D affects the body in numerous ways and can ultimately lead to death. Research has suggested that children diagnosed with T1D should employ an integrated treatment team to account for the physical and emotional struggles that come from living with the disease. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that can help adolescents with T1D address their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs outside of inulin regulation. Dance/movement therapists are trained to provide their clients with embodied explorations, allowing them to express themselves creatively, deepen their understanding of their diagnoses, become more adaptable to change, improve mind-body connection and self-awareness, and improve their body image. DMT is a body-based approach and T1D is a disease that heavily affects the body (amongst other aspects of life); therefore, DMT is an ideal treatment modality for the diabetic, multidisciplinary team.

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