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Review

Embodied Mindfulness Through Movement: A Scoping Review of Dance-Based Interventions for Mental Well-Being in Recreational Populations

by
Aglaia Zafeiroudi
1,*,
Ioannis Tsartsapakis
2,
Ioannis Trigonis
3,
Olga Kouli
3,
Dimitrios Goulimaris
3 and
Charilaos Kouthouris
1
1
Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
2
Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62122 Serres, Greece
3
Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172230
Submission received: 27 June 2025 / Revised: 21 August 2025 / Accepted: 27 August 2025 / Published: 5 September 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness has expanded from seated meditation to include embodied practices emphasizing somatic awareness and emotional regulation. Dance offers a creative, accessible pathway to mindfulness, especially in non-clinical settings where movement-based approaches may better support self-regulation, interoception, and well-being. This scoping review investigated empirical studies on dance-based mindfulness interventions targeting non-clinical, amateur and recreational populations. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025. Eligible studies combined dance with mindfulness and somatic movement practices and were conducted with non-professional participants of all ages in non-clinical settings. Study selection, data extraction, and appraisal followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: Ten empirical studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning diverse populations from primary school children to older adults. Interventions included Dance/Movement Therapy, ballet with yoga, Sufi-inspired group dance, and school- or community-based mindful movement programs. Reported outcomes included improvements in body awareness, emotional regulation, stress reduction, self-compassion, social connection, and overall well-being. A thematic synthesis identified five domains: (1) psychological and emotional outcomes, (2) embodiment and self-compassion, (3) relational and social benefits, (4) feasibility and acceptability, and (5) sustained and preventive effects. Conclusions: Dance-based mindfulness interventions in recreational contexts show promising psychosomatic and emotional benefits. Although the current empirical base is limited and methodologically diverse, this scoping review provides a necessary foundation for understanding this emerging field. There remains a strong need for interventions that are theoretically grounded, culturally sensitive, and pedagogically integrated, particularly within classroom-based dance educational contexts.
Keywords: community-based practices; somatic awareness; embodied learning; contemplative pedagogy; psychological well-being; community health promotion community-based practices; somatic awareness; embodied learning; contemplative pedagogy; psychological well-being; community health promotion

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MDPI and ACS Style

Zafeiroudi, A.; Tsartsapakis, I.; Trigonis, I.; Kouli, O.; Goulimaris, D.; Kouthouris, C. Embodied Mindfulness Through Movement: A Scoping Review of Dance-Based Interventions for Mental Well-Being in Recreational Populations. Healthcare 2025, 13, 2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172230

AMA Style

Zafeiroudi A, Tsartsapakis I, Trigonis I, Kouli O, Goulimaris D, Kouthouris C. Embodied Mindfulness Through Movement: A Scoping Review of Dance-Based Interventions for Mental Well-Being in Recreational Populations. Healthcare. 2025; 13(17):2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172230

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zafeiroudi, Aglaia, Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ioannis Trigonis, Olga Kouli, Dimitrios Goulimaris, and Charilaos Kouthouris. 2025. "Embodied Mindfulness Through Movement: A Scoping Review of Dance-Based Interventions for Mental Well-Being in Recreational Populations" Healthcare 13, no. 17: 2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172230

APA Style

Zafeiroudi, A., Tsartsapakis, I., Trigonis, I., Kouli, O., Goulimaris, D., & Kouthouris, C. (2025). Embodied Mindfulness Through Movement: A Scoping Review of Dance-Based Interventions for Mental Well-Being in Recreational Populations. Healthcare, 13(17), 2230. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172230

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