Application of Dance Therapy in Psychological Intervention for Left-behind Children

Abstract

The large-scale migration of rural populations to urban areas has resulted in the long-term separation of many minors from their parents, giving rise to the group known as Left-behind Children. Studies have demonstrated that due to insufficient emotional support, this population is prone to psychological challenges such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Traditional verbal counseling has limitations in helping children effectively express their inner feelings, thereby necessitating the exploration of new intervention approaches. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), as a nonverbal therapeutic modality that integrates bodily movement with psychological adjustment, provides children with a pathway for emotional externalization and self-construction. Drawing on existing literature and the psychological characteristics of left-behind children, this study proposes a group-based DMT intervention framework, focusing on its functions in emotional regulation, cognitive development, behavioral regulation, and interpersonal interaction. The paper argues that DMT not only enhances the psychological resilience and social adaptation of left-behind children but also offers a theoretical foundation and practical reference for psychological interventions among rural children.