TWO faculty members from Davao Oriental State University recently published a research paper in the Scopus-indexed Ibero-American Journal of Exercise and Sports Psychology.

Dr. Arvin Andacao and Dr. Leonard Sydrick Pajo co-authored the study titled “Mental Health Effects of Dance to Undergraduate Students: A Preliminary Survey Comparative Analysis.”

The study investigates how dance, including various genres, affects the mental health of 83 performing arts undergraduates in the Philippines.

Utilizing the ‘Mental Effect of Dance Questionnaire’ through an online survey, the research finds a positive impact on mental health without significant differences based on gender or year level. Students perceive dance as beneficial, prompting suggestions for future research.

“Based on this preliminary survey, it was found that dance and its various genres positively affect students’ mental health,” the research explained.

“On the one hand, no significant difference was observed between groups, specifically gender and year level, in terms of the mental effect of dance. In this regard, it can be inferred that students’ perceived dance to have a great benefit on their mental health,” it added.

The Ibero-American Journal of Exercise and Sports Psychology aims at a vehicle of transmission and diffusion of exercise and sports psychology.

Its intention is the scientific diffusion of all of those research projects, either theoretical or applied, such as the professional practice and experiences that are being carried out in our socio-geographic and cultural environment.