Interactive media-based dance and art therapies as interventions for treating posttraumatic symptoms among school children with abduction experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of interactive media-based dance and art therapies in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among school children in Nigeria who have experienced abduction.

METHOD: The study utilised a quasi-experimental design using a sample of 470 school children in Nigeria aged 10-18. The participants were divided into three groups, namely control, dance and art therapy groups. While participants in the art therapy group took part in art therapy sessions, those in dance therapy took part in dance therapy sessions. Participants in the control group received no intervention at all.

RESULTS: The result showed a drop in PTSD scores of participants in art and dance therapies at post-intervention and follow-up assessment after six months. However, those in the control group did not report a significant drop in their PTSD symptoms even after six months. Dance therapy was found to be more effective than art therapy.

CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study is that dance therapy is more effective even though both art and dance therapies assist children exposed to traumatic events.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study has offered empirical evidence that could guide the planning and implementation of therapies aimed at assisting school children aged 10-18 to recover from traumatic experiences.