OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a conscious dance (i.e., mindful movement to music) and expressive arts intervention, known as Rhythms of Resilience, to cultivate self-regulation and social connectedness in survivors of complex trauma. METHOD: Following online recruitment, nine adults (ages 38-69) with complex trauma histories enrolled in the program, which involved six weekly 2.5-hr group sessions conducted through Zoom. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using the Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire as well as other metrics, and self-report measures pre- and postintervention provided outcome data. RESULTS: Six out of nine participants completed the intervention, with the remaining three dropping out due to scheduling conflicts, health reasons, or lack of fit. As per Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire scores, participants deemed the intervention to be credible prior to participation. Half of the group reported clinically significant reductions in posttraumatic symptoms, and there were significant group-level pre/post increases in compassion and social engagement, alongside decreases in fantasy and perspective taking. Contrary to our predictions, no changes were observed in dissociation, interoception, or emotion regulation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that a dance and expressive arts intervention for survivors of complex trauma is not only feasible but also has the potential to produce clinically significant symptom reductions, even in survivors with chronic symptoms. Implications for further development of the intervention, and greater accessibility, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Smart et al. (Mon,) studied this question.