More studies on alternative therapy

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

The Effectiveness of Penguin Dance Therapy Against Stress Disorders After the Trauma of School-Age Children Victims of Mount Sinabung Eruption

Introduction

Natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, can have a profound impact on the community, particularly children. The eruption of Mount Sinabung in Indonesia has left many school-age children vulnerable to experiencing post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). This traumatic event can interfere with their daily lives and has the potential to cause long-term problems if not handled properly. In this context, dance therapy, specifically penguin dance therapy, has emerged as a promising intervention to help these children overcome their stress disorders.

The Importance of Addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children

Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are a common consequence of traumatic events, including natural disasters. Children who experience PTSD may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, which can affect their academic performance and social relationships. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to long-term problems, including increased risk of developing mental health disorders, substance abuse, and even suicidal behavior. Therefore, it is essential to provide effective interventions to help children recover from traumatic events.

The Role of Dance Therapy in Trauma Recovery

Dance therapy, including penguin dance therapy, has been recognized as a valuable intervention for trauma recovery. This form of therapy involves a combination of physical movement, social interaction, and emotional expression, which can help children process their emotions and develop coping strategies. Penguin dance therapy, in particular, involves a fun and engaging dance movement that can help children express their feelings in a positive way. This activity provides a sense of security and comfort, as well as creating a supportive environment for healing.

Methodology

This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest design. A purposive sampling technique was used to involve 23 school-age children who were victims of the Mount Sinabung eruption. The children were assessed for their stress levels before and after the intervention using a standardized stress assessment tool. The results showed significant changes in the stress levels of children before and after the intervention.

Results

The results of this study showed that the average stress score (mean) of children before the intervention was 40.61 with a standard deviation of 6,493. The minimum score recorded was 33, while the maximum score reached 55. After the intervention of penguin dance therapy, the average stress score decreased to 26.09 with a standard deviation of 4,935. The minimum score after the intervention was 15, and the maximum score was 39. The statistical test showed a value of P = 0.00, indicating that penguin dance therapy was significantly effective in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorders in these children.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that penguin dance therapy is a promising intervention for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorders in children. This form of therapy not only helps reduce stress but also increases motor skills and children's confidence. Through this activity, children can feel the excitement and joy that may disappear after trauma. The use of dance therapy as an intervention method also has added value, as it provides a supportive environment for healing and creates a sense of security and comfort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the effectiveness of penguin dance therapy in overcoming post-traumatic stress disorders in children victims of the Mount Sinabung eruption. The results of this study suggest that dance therapy can be a useful alternative for trauma healing, especially for school-age children who experience psychological effects due to disasters. The use of dance therapy as an intervention method also has added value, as it not only helps reduce stress but also increases motor skills and children's confidence. Therefore, the provision of access to dance therapy for children victims of disaster is highly recommended as part of the psychosocial rehabilitation program.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increased awareness of the importance of children's mental health: The increasing awareness of the importance of children's mental health, especially post-disaster, is essential to provide effective interventions to help children recover from traumatic events.
More studies on alternative therapy: More studies should be conducted to explore various forms of alternative therapy that can help children in their recovery process.
Integration of dance therapy into psychosocial rehabilitation programs: Dance therapy should be integrated into psychosocial rehabilitation programs to provide a supportive environment for healing and create a sense of security and comfort for children victims of disaster.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Limited duration of the intervention: The duration of the intervention was limited, which may not be sufficient to assess the long-term effects of penguin dance therapy.
Lack of control group: This study did not have a control group, which may limit the ability to compare the effectiveness of penguin dance therapy with other interventions.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to address the limitations of this study by:

Increasing the sample size: Increasing the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Extending the duration of the intervention: Extending the duration of the intervention to assess the long-term effects of penguin dance therapy.
Including a control group: Including a control group to compare the effectiveness of penguin dance therapy with other interventions.

Conclusion

Q: What is penguin dance therapy?

A: Penguin dance therapy is a form of dance therapy that involves a fun and engaging dance movement that can help children express their feelings in a positive way. This activity provides a sense of security and comfort, as well as creating a supportive environment for healing.

Q: What are the benefits of penguin dance therapy?

A: The benefits of penguin dance therapy include:

Reducing stress and anxiety
Increasing motor skills and children's confidence
Providing a supportive environment for healing
Creating a sense of security and comfort
Helping children express their feelings in a positive way

Q: Who can benefit from penguin dance therapy?

A: Children who have experienced traumatic events, such as natural disasters, can benefit from penguin dance therapy. This includes children who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

Q: How is penguin dance therapy conducted?

A: Penguin dance therapy is conducted in a group setting, where children are led by a trained therapist through a series of dance movements. The therapist provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for the children to express themselves.

Q: What is the duration of penguin dance therapy?

A: The duration of penguin dance therapy can vary depending on the individual child's needs. Typically, the therapy is conducted for 30-60 minutes per session, with multiple sessions per week.

Q: Is penguin dance therapy a replacement for traditional therapy?

A: No, penguin dance therapy is not a replacement for traditional therapy. It is a complementary therapy that can be used in conjunction with traditional therapy to help children recover from traumatic events.

Q: Can penguin dance therapy be adapted for children with special needs?

A: Yes, penguin dance therapy can be adapted for children with special needs. The therapist can modify the dance movements to accommodate the child's abilities and needs.

Q: How can parents and caregivers support their child's penguin dance therapy?

A: Parents and caregivers can support their child's penguin dance therapy by:

Encouraging their child to participate in the therapy
Providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment for their child to express themselves
Communicating with the therapist to understand their child's progress and needs
Encouraging their child to practice the dance movements at home

Q: Is penguin dance therapy covered by insurance?

A: The coverage of penguin dance therapy by insurance varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. It is best to check with the insurance provider to determine coverage.

Q: Can penguin dance therapy be used in conjunction with other therapies?

A: Yes, penguin dance therapy can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy. The therapist can work with the child's treatment team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Q: How can I find a penguin dance therapist in my area?

A: You can find a penguin dance therapist in your area by:

Searching online for dance therapists in your area
Asking your child's pediatrician or therapist for a referral
Contacting local mental health organizations or support groups for recommendations

Q: What are the qualifications of a penguin dance therapist?

A: A penguin dance therapist should have a degree in dance therapy or a related field, as well as experience working with children who have experienced traumatic events. They should also be certified in dance therapy and have experience working with children with special needs.