Salsa dancing intervention for young people with low mood
Investigating the Effects of Social Movement on Mood and Social and Emotional Functioning in Young People Experiencing Low Mood
This study is trying out salsa dancing to see if it can help young people aged 18 to 24 who are feeling down improve their mood and connect better with others.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford) |
| Trial ID | NCT05963581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the efficacy of salsa dancing as a novel intervention for adolescents and young adults experiencing low mood and depression. The study aims to enhance social connectedness and mental health through engaging in social dance, which has shown potential benefits in previous literature. Participants aged 18 to 24 will be recruited, and the study will assess the impact of this intervention on their mood and social functioning. The approach is particularly relevant given the need for accessible treatments for depression in young people.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 24 who experience low mood but do not have severe depressive symptoms or psychotic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression or those who are unfit for light physical exertion may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a fun and engaging way for young people to improve their mood and social connections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using salsa dancing is novel, there is a growing body of literature supporting the mental health benefits of social dance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 to 24 at time of eligibility screening; * Competency to give informed consent; * Individuals will \*not\* be excluded for a formal diagnosis of depression from a GP or other mental healthcare provider, nor for being presently or formerly on medication for depression; nor for presently or formerly attending talk therapies; * Individuals who do not meet the exclusion criteria specified below. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a PHQ-9 score of less than 5 (indicating no low mood) or greater than 19 (indicating a low mood that could be too severe for this research); * individuals who self-report a current or recent diagnosis of any psychotic disorder (e.g., bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder), substance use disorders, eating disorders, or personality disorders * individuals who self-report that they are unfit for light physical exertion; * individuals who regularly, or have regularly, attended partner dance classes or partner dance events within the last six months (as they would already be receiving the potential benefits we are investigating in this study); * and individuals for whom the Principal Investigator determines that the study is not suitable.
Where this trial is running
Oxford
- University of Oxford — Oxford, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Susannah Murphy, DPhil
- Email: susannah.murphy@psych.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1865 618313
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.