Reviewing Available Online Publications on the Effect of Dance on the Physical and Mental Health of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to review the literature on dance and its impact on children and adolescents' physical health, physiology, psychology and quality of life, as well as its impact on their social behavior and social relationships. With this objective in mind, we carried out an extensive review of the existing literature in the following databases: MEDLINE, AMED, SCOPUS, ERIC, EMBASE and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. Based on this review, it appears that dancing may be a suitable activity that encourages and prompts people to adopt healthy behaviors. In particular, the literature shows that during dance activities performed by children and adolescents, there are significant benefits to a healthy development of the body, to the improvement of mental and emotional health, as well as to the improvement of their social behavior and social relations. In addition, according to the literature reviewed, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, dance seems to be an efficient means of inspiring active engagement in children and adolescents. A means which can be available beyond in-person teaching, whiles still offering all of the benefits of the subject matter at the same time. © 2022 Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecinskiego. All Rights Reserved.