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research: masters dissertations

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research: Ph.D & M. Phil

research: independent studies

Examples of Master Dissertations:

Best P. (1990) Disabling strokes: self loss and movement copying styles. Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, University of London. More

Karkou, V. (1994) An exploratory study of the utilisation of creative arts therapies in treating substance dependence. Unpublished M.Ed. Dissertation: Faculty of Education, University of Manchester. More

Bloom, K. (1994) Movement as a Medium for Psychophysical Integration. Unpublished MA dissertation, University of East London, Department of Social Sciences. More

Bannerman-Haig S. (1996) ‘Rolling, stretching, tensing, kicking, running, hiding – aspects of infantile movement in DMT. Unpublished MA Dissertation, University of London, Institute of Education. More

Bannerman-Haig S. (1998) DMT for children with severe and profound learning difficulties. Unpublished MA Dissertation, University of London, Institute of Education. More

Bates, P. (1997) Co-therapy in Dance Movement Therapy, Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, City University, London. More

Chrysou, M. (1999) Psychosomatic aspects of pain: an exploration of physical and psychic pain in Dance Movement Therapy. Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, City University, London. More

Nikolitsa, A. (2001) Capturing and Utilising the somatic counter-transferential phenomena: A Heuristic attempt. Unpublished MA Dissertation, Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, City University, London

Loven-Fremder E. (2005) Behavioural Dance Movement Therapy Model: Focused interventions with an adult with autistic features who demonstrates self-injury behaviour (SIB). Unpublished MA Dissertation: University of Roehampton. More

Best P. (1990) Disabling strokes: self loss and movement copying styles. Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, University of London.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Penelope Ann Best
	Professional title	PGCE, MCAT, ILTM, SRDMT
	Principle present employment	Facilitator; Senior Lecturer
	Contact address	School of Psychology & Therapeutic Studies, Southlands College, University of Surrey Roehampton, Roehampton Lane, London SW15
	Telephone	020 8392 3377
	Fax	N/a
	e-mail	Pbestworks@aol.com
	Research collaborators	N/a
	Research supervisors
Title of research	Title of research	Disabling Strokes ( CVA)
	Subtitle of research	Self Loss and Movement Coping Styles
Research details	Aims of research	To consider connections between expressed feelings of self loss and physical manifestations of personal attitudes with special reference to stages of the mourning process within attachment- separation paradigm
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	How does the loss of functioning following a stroke influence an individual’s sense of self? In what ways might it be helpful to use an object relations approach highlighting loss and bereavement as a module? In what ways could Dance Therapy be used constructively during early phase of recovery?
	Client group (if applicable)	Patients who had recently experienced CVA, Cardio Vascular Accident , being treated within neurological hospital
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	Case study design incorporating movement profiles , questionnaires and contextual material
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	8 week pilot study with 3 patients with CVA using DMT interventions, questionnaire designed following interviews with other individuals who had recovered from CVA , video analysis with movement profiles designed to observe body attitude and field notes
	Principal findings (if research completed)	Movement profile indicated that each patient had disturbance of Flow effort and limited variety of phrasing. Movement parameters appears more dependent upon individual coping styles and premorbid personalities than their common situation. Suggestions that body attitude is a useful predictor of the impact of a CVA upon an individuals sense of autonomy. Indication that defensive strategies and coping resources can be observed through combinations of a patient’s verbal and nonverbal expression; indication that mourning the loss of one’s former self becomes part of the reparative process. .
	Ethical board approving research	Approval granted by participants for video and writing of thesis
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)	N/a
	Funding body (if applicable)	N/a
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	Masters
	Clinical institute affiliation (if applicable)	N/a
Dates	Starting date	1989
	Completion date (expected date if not yet complete)	1990
Keywords	Keywords	Stroke; CVA; recovery process; bereavement
Related publications published/unpublished	Related publications by members of research team	Unpublished Masters Thesis presented jointly to Faculties of Hahnemann University Graduate School, USA and Laban Centre for Movement and Dance UK

Bloom, K. (1994) Movement as a Medium for Psychophysical Integration. Unpublished MA dissertation, University of East London, Department of Social Sciences

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Katya Bloom
	Professional title	MA, CMA, SRDMT
	Principle present employment	Movement therapist in private practice; DMT Supervisor; Teacher at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
	Contact address	19 Leinster Rd London N10 3AN
	Telephone	020 8444 2071
	Fax
	e-mail	kbloom@talk21.com
	Research collaborators	n.a.
	Research supervisors	Heather Price, M Phil, Department of Social Sciences, Univ. of E. London
Title of research	Title of research	Movement as a Medium for Psychophysical Integration
	Subtitle of research	N/a
Research details	Aims of research	To make links between the work of Indonesian movement teacher, Suprapto Suryodarmo and psychoanalytic thinking from British Object Relations.
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	What links can be made between these two perspectives on psychophysical processes – broadly speaking representing Eastern and Western sources?
	Client group (if applicable)	N/a
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	Qualitative research; drawing on my experience of studying with Suryodarmo in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia for 3 months in 1992.
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	Detailed journal and experiential work within a small group in various natural settings in Indonesia.
	Principal findings (if research completed)	Although Suryodarmo’s source of understanding was his embodied relationship with the natural world, his observations about human nature and relationships often paralleled those made by Klein and Winnicott, for example, on such issues as separation, containment, projection and introjection. The two perspectives illuminated each other.
	Ethical board approving research	University of East London
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)	University of East London
	Funding body (if applicable)	N/A
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	MA

Karkou, V. (1994) An exploratory study of the utilisation of creative arts therapies in treating substance dependence. Unpublished M.Ed. Dissertation: Faculty of Education, University of Manchester.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Vassiliki (Vicky) Karkou
	Professional title	Ph.D., M.Ed., PgDip(DMT), B.Ed.Sc.
	Principle present employment	Queen Margaret University College Department of OT and AT, Leith Campus, Edinburgh EH6 8HF
	Contact address	0131 317 3350
	Telephone	0131 317 3235
	Fax	VKarkou@qmuc.ac.uk
	e-mail	n.a.
	Research collaborators	Queen Margaret University College Department of OT and AT, Leith Campus, Edinburgh EH6 8HF
	Research supervisors	Dr. P. Sanderson, University of Manchester
Title of research	Title of research	An exploratory Study of the Utilisation of Creative Arts Therapies in Treating Substance Dependence
	Subtitle of research	n.a.
Research details	Aims of research	To explore the use of arts therapies in treating substance (alcohol and drug) misuse.
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	1. Are there settings such as services and centres which enable and support arts therapies for people with substance misuse problems? What is the philosophy of these settings and the service provision? 2. Are there any practitioners or arts therapists working with this population and if so who are they? How do they work? Which is the theoretical framework that underlines their work? 3. What are the characteristics of the participants in the arts therapies groups? Are there specific withdrawal stages which are more or less suitable for arts therapies interventions? How do they react? What difficulties are specific to working with drug and alcohol misusers within an arts therapies group?
	Client group (if applicable)	Alcohol and drug misusers
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	Case study methodology (two settings were studied, a drug unit within the NHS and a voluntary organisation)
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	Interviews, participants observations and informal discussions
	Principal findings (if research completed)	1.The two settings studied focused on different issues of dependency (e.g., alcohol or drugs) and had different philosophy (one was statutory, while the other non-statutory organisation). This had an effect upon arts therapies provision. 2.1 There were relatively few qualified arts therapists working in the area although arts therapies and related provision was available carried out by arts therapists, OTs and recovered substance misusers. 2.2 There were two main approach found in the field. The one originated from the drug/alcohol field and had a directive, substance-related and often educative character. The other had an insight-oriented focus and was closer affiliated with existing mainstream arts therapies practice. Further collaboration between drug/alcohol workers and arts therapists was required. 3.1 Participants in arts therapies sessions varied in relation to issues of dependency, stage of recovery, age, gender and social class. 3.2 Interventions with a directive character were perceived as appropriate for all stages of recovery, while insight-oriented treatments were seen as appropriate after withdrawal was stabilised
	Ethical board approving research	University of Manchester
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)	University of Manchester, Faculty of Education
	Funding body (if applicable)	n.a.
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	M.Ed.
	Clinical institute affiliation (if applicable)	n.a.
Dates	Starting date	1993
	Completion date (expected date if not yet complete)	1994
Keywords	Keywords	Arts therapies, substance misuse, dependence, addiction, case study
Related publications including unpublished material for internal use	Related publications by members of research team	Karkou, V. and Sanderson, P. (1997) ‘An Exploratory Study of the Utilisation of Creative Arts Therapies in Treating Substance Dependence’, The Journal of Contemporary Health, issue 5, spring, pp. 56-61. Karkou, V. (1999) ‘Arts Therapies in Addiction: A Pilot Research Project - First Part’, Psychiatric Notebooks, 68, 72-82 (in Greek). Karkou, (2001) ‘Arts Therapies in Addiction: A Pilot Research Project - Second Part’, Psychiatric Notebooks, 73, 63-76 (in Greek)

Bannerman-Haig S. (1996) ‘Rolling, stretching, tensing, kicking, running, hiding – aspects of infantile movement in DMT. Unpublished MA Dissertation, University of London, Institute of Education.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Bannerman-Haig Sara
	Professional title	MA, MA, Post Grad Dip DMT, BA (Hons), Cert.Ed.
	Principle present employment	Therapist and Teacher
	Contact address	136 Dukes Ave, Muswell Hill, London N10 2QB
	Telephone	0208 8831314
	Fax	0208 8831314
	e-mail	sara_haig@hotmail.com
	Research collaborators	N/A
	Research supervisors	Carol Hanson MACP, MTSP.BA(Hons)
Title of research	Title of research	‘Rolling, stretching, tensing, kicking, running, hiding – aspects of infantile movement in dance movement therapy
	Subtitle of research	N/A
Research details	Aims of research	To explore the spontaneous, unconscious dance, movement and play that emerges in dmt with children and adolescents To consider how the experience of observing an infant for two years within a psychoanalytic framework has influenced and informed my work as a dance movement therapist.
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	What are the ways in which infantile movement can be identified and analysed in the dmt relationship, using a psychoanalytical observational framework? How the experience of observing an infant within a psychoanalytical framework has influenced and informed my work as a dance movement therapist?
	Client group (if applicable)	Children and adolescents with learning disabilities or with emotional and behavioural difficulties
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	Qualitative, case study
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	Empirical observation
	Principal findings (if research completed)	1. Selected themes were identified and considered both from a dmt perspective and a psychoanalytical observational perspective. This enabled a multi-disciplinary approach, enabling the therapist to provide greater depth and meaning from the therapeutic process 2. Selected aspects of psychoanalytic theory have informed and have been integrated into my dmt practice more fully.
	Ethical board approving research	N/A
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)
	Funding body (if applicable)	N/A
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	MA
	Clinical institute affiliation (if applicable)	N/A
Dates	Starting date	September 1995
	Completion date (expected date if not yet complete)	August 1996
Keywords	Keywords	Infantile movement, movement observation, psychoanalytic aspects
Related publications including unpublished material for internal use	Related publications by members of research team

Bannerman-Haig S. (1998) DMT for children with severe and profound learning difficulties. Unpublished MA Dissertation, University of London, Institute of Education.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Bannerman-Haig Sara
	Professional title	MA, MA, Post Grad Dip DMT, BA(Hons), Cert Ed.
	Principle present employment	Therapist & Teacher
	Contact address	136 Dukes Ave, Muswell Hill, London N10 2QB
	Telephone	0208 8831314
	Fax	0208 883 1314
	e-mail	sara_haig@hotmail.com
	Research collaborators	N/A
	Research supervisors	Prof Brahm Norwich
Title of research	Title of research	Dance Movement Therapy for children with severe and profound learning difficulties
	Subtitle of research	N/A
Research details	Aims of research	To look as dance movement therapy as an intervention for children with severe and profound learning disabilities within the school curriculum
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	To evaluate one year of process notes and three years of retrospective notes from a dmt group I had been facilitating over a four year period. To explore attitudes and perceptions of teachers and head teachers towards dmt within the school setting. To interview practising dance movement therapists working with the above client group and to look at their theoretical approaches.
	Client group (if applicable)	children with severe and profound learning disabilities.
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	Qualitative – participant observation, case study documentation, semi-structured interviewing
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	Qualitative research methods were employed: Semi-structured interviews with teachers, head teachers and dance movement therapists. Participant observation, one year of dmt sessions Analysis of three years of dmt therapy process notes
	Principal findings (if research completed)	1. That dmt is beneficial as an intervention for the client group mentioned. This was highlighted by findings from the process notes; the interviews with practising dance movement therapists, teachers and head teachers. 2. Teachers and head teacher felt that dmt works at an emotional level and therefore made it a unique aspect of the school curriculum. It provided a place in which feelings could be acknowledged in a safe, contained and supportive environment. It addressed emotional and behavioural difficulties from a psychodynamic perspective, offering a different approach within the school context. The findings also mentioned potential drawbacks of having dmt in school and how it was justified within the setting of a school. 3. The findings illustrated the theoretical approaches influencing dance movement therapists working with this client group; the benefits of dmt from the perspectives of dance movement therapists; general dmt aim for this client group; common themes emerging; the justification of dmt within the school curriculum by the dance movement therapists.
	Ethical board approving research	N/A.
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)	University of London, Institute of Education, Bedford Way WC1
	Funding body (if applicable)	N/A
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	MA
	Clinical institute affiliation (if applicable)	N/A
Dates	Starting date	September 1997
	Completion date (expected date if not yet complete)	August 1998
Keywords	Keywords	Children, severe and profound learning disabilities, school
Related publications including unpublished material for internal use	Related publications by members of research team

Bates, P. (1997) Co-therapy in Dance Movement Therapy, Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, University of London.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Philippa Bates
	Professional title	Dance Movement Therapist
	Principle present employment	SW London& St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
	Contact address	The Bald Faced Stag, Ashurst
	Telephone	01892-740904
	Fax
	e-mail	pippaj@ukonline.co.uk
	Research collaborators	dance movement therapists
	Research supervisors	Laurence Higgens, Jan Eaton
Title of research	Title of research	Co-therapy in DMT
	Subtitle of research
Research details	Aims of research	to explore co-therapy in dmt
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	what, as dance movement therapists do we need to think about and do in order to make our co-therapy relationship gratifying for us and effective for clients
	Client group (if applicable)	-
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	qualitative
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	taped (audio) interviews between dyads (co-therapists)
	Principal findings (if research completed)	mutual, open communication between therapist is crucial - paying attention to movement repertoires could provide helpful means of developing co-therapy relationship
	Ethical board approving research	Laban Centre
Details of institutional affiliation, funding body and grade	Academic institution where registered (if applicable)	The Laban Centre for Movement and Dance
	Funding body (if applicable)	n/a
	Academic level of research (DgDip, MA, M.Phil, PhD, postdoctoral) (if applicable)	MA
	Clinical institute affiliation (if applicable)
Dates	Starting date	October 1995
	Completion date (expected date if not yet complete)	October 1997
Keywords	Keywords	co therapy
Related publications published/unpublished	Related publications by members of research team

Chrysou, M. (1999) Psychosomatic aspects of pain: an exploration of physical and psychic pain in Dance Movement Therapy. Unpublished MA Dissertation: Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, University of London.

Research details	Name of principle researcher	Marina Chrysou
	Professional title	M.A. DMT
	Principle present employment	NHS EPP Trainer
	Contact address	Spitafields Health Centre, 9-11 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU
	Telephone	020 73775941
	Fax
	e-mail	marina.chrysou@nhsepp.org
	Research collaborators	N/A
	Research supervisors	Laurence Higgens, Laban Centre London Janet Kaylo, Laban Centre London
Title of research	Title of research	Psychosomatic Aspects of Pain
	Subtitle of research	An Exploration of Physical and Psychic Pain in Dance Movement Therapy
Research details	Aims of research	To examine the interrelationships between psychic and somatic processes in the experience of ‘pathological’ pain in Dance Movement Therapy.
	Principal research question(s) or research hypothesis/es or research objectives	Review medical, psychological, holistic, psychodynamic and DMT perspectives of pain in order to examine: 1. What is the reciprocal relationship between experiences of physical and psychic pain? 2. How may psychic trauma be related to the psychosomatic aspects of pain, in clinical work?
	Client group (if applicable)	Clients experiencing chronic pain
	Research design (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, anthropological, case study etc.)	A theoretical study using examples of clinical practice.
	Nature of data collection (e.g., video time-sampling, client questionnaires etc.)	Literature review and discussion; clinical vignette.
	Principal findings (if research completed)	1.1 The psychosomatic assumption in relation to a person’s experience of pain is based on viewing body and psyche as a unity. However, scientific language is steeped in dualistic concepts. To overcome this, different research methods should be applied to investigate the experience of pain as described by clients during dance movement therapy (e.g. heuristic or phenomenological research methods). 1.2 Psychosomatic concepts of pain were found to be influential in DMT literature. For clients to understand how their emotions affect psyche-soma processes and pain, dance movement therapists rely on creative movement exploration as well as verbal integration. 1.3 Common to all theoretical perspectives reviewed is the importance of emotions in the experience of pain. Furthermore, in clinical work, the emotional experience of pain needs to be acknowledged, felt and thought about so that integration of somatic and psychic pain takes place.

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