Differential Effects of Art Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy on Emotional and Somatic Regulation in Early Psychopathology: First-Episode Psychosis and Eating Disorders

Abstract

Background: Creative Expressive Therapies, including Art Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), are increasingly integrated as adjunctive interventions in the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions. However, comparative evidence regarding their differential effects across diagnostic groups remains limited. Methods: This exploratory quasi-experimental 2 × 2 factorial study compared Art Therapy and DMT, delivered as adjuncts to treatment as usual, in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and eating disorders (EDs) (N = 36). Participants received ten weekly group sessions. Changes in perceived well-being, emotional tension regulation, and physical tension regulation were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using self-report measures. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Significant pre–post improvements were observed across all outcome domains, indicating a transdiagnostic effect of Creative Expressive Therapies. Differential response patterns emerged according to clinical profile and therapeutic modality. DMT was associated with relatively greater improvements in physical tension regulation in patients with EDs, whereas Art Therapy showed relatively greater effects on emotional tension regulation in patients with FEP. Conclusions: Within the limitations of an exploratory, non-randomized design and the use of non-validated outcome measures, the findings suggest modality-specific patterns of response to Creative Expressive Therapies. These results should be considered hypothesis-generating and support further investigation through adequately powered randomized controlled trials employing validated clinical and neurobiological outcomes.