The benefits of dance on the quality of life (QOL) of people with intellectual disabilities (ID)

Abstract

Introduction. People with disabilities live in situations of social exclusion that prevent the various dimensions of their quality of life from developing to the same degree as that of the rest of society. This is due to the lack of support they receive to carry out daily activities, thus reducing the extent of their social participation. Dance, as an artistic expression, presents health and quality-of-life benefits for people with intellectual disabilities. The social exclusion experienced by people with disabilities makes it necessary to rethink techniques and tools to increase this group's general welfare. This is especially important in a discipline such as Social Work as it focuses on the right to full socio-personal development. In this paper, we analyse the effect of dance on the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Methodology. Exploratory and descriptive qualitative research based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews, focusing on subjective experience and the interpretation of the specific meaning of the collected data. Non-probability sampling was conducted using key informants. There were nine participants: Three dance teachers, four individuals with intellectual disabilities, one mother, and the President of a Parents' Association for Leisure and Free Time. The diversity of the profiles permitted obtaining complementary discourses and thus a broader view of the object of study. We did not seek, however, to generalise the results. Results. The findings show the benefits and potential of dance regarding different dimensions of quality of life and human functioning in intellectually disabled individuals. The empirical evidence collected showed that dance fosters a number of behavioural patterns and the development of certain dimensions of quality of life. Discussion. The social imaginary around the idea of functionality requires immense efforts to fit into society's cultural precepts. Participating in these types of activities has contributed to making this group more visible. It can be affirmed that dance improves the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The impact of dance is reflected both in the importance assigned to it by this group, and dance's link to the potential for growth, specifically with regard to opportunity, social relations and social participation. Conclusions. To finish, physical expression is communicative and leads to changing attitudes, shifting them towards more inclusive positions which promote empowerment and improvement of quality of life. This work has shown that dance or artistic activities, used as a tool for social intervention, are beneficial when working with socially vulnerable people and/or groups. The present study contributes to our understanding of how artistic expression can improve the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and opens a new field within Social Work.