Dance-Based Interventions and Cognitive-Emotional Outcomes: A Scoping Review of Potential Implications for Sport Psychology
Abstract
This scoping review maps current evidence on dance-related cognitive and emotional outcomes and explores their potential relevance for sport psychology contexts. Following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2010 and May 2024. A total of 12 eligible sources were included in the qualitative synthesis. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. The included evidence suggests that dance-based interventions may be associated with improvements in cognitive domains (memory, attention, executive functions, decision-making speed) and psychological dimensions (motivation, self-efficacy, stress management, emotional well-being). Group dance interventions may support social connectedness, whereas individual dance practices may facilitate self-expression and intrinsic motivation. However, the evidence base is heterogeneous, and importantly, none of the included studies recruited competitive athletes; most sources involved older adults or mixed adult populations. Therefore, while dance may have potential implications for sport psychology as a complementary activity, conclusions regarding athletic performance should be interpreted with considerable caution and require validation through athlete-specific trials. This review maps the available evidence and identifies key gaps for future research rather than providing direct evidence for sport-specific outcomes.
Keywords: Cognitive Functions, Dance-Based Interventions, Emotional Well-being, Scoping Review, Sport Psychology.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v7i1.344
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