Feasibility and acceptability of a mixed methods within-subjects comparative design in dance movement therapy for adults with personality disorders

BACKGROUND: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is an established treatment for adults diagnosed with personality disorders (PD). A central component of DMT is the creation of improvised dance material, which supports emotional expression and may enhance autonomy, self-efficacy, and well-being. However, structured dance-based micro-interventions derived from this practice have not yet been systematically described or evaluated. This study was the first attempt to examine the feasibility of implementing a within-subjects comparative study protocol and the acceptability of a structured dance-based micro-intervention, with the aim of informing future controlled trials.

METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods feasibility study comparing two DMT conditions delivered within ongoing open clinical groups: (a) DMT as Usual (DMT-AU) and (b) a structured dance-based micro-intervention (DMT-MI). Primary outcomes concerned the feasibility of the study protocol, assessed via recruitment, enrolment, retention, adherence, and questionnaire completeness, without evaluating intervention effects. Secondary outcomes concerned the acceptability of the DMT-MI, assessed through session ratings and semi-structured interviews with patients and dance movement therapists.

RESULTS: All feasibility indicators suggested that the comparative study protocol could be implemented in a real-world clinical setting and that the DMT-MI intervention was acceptable to both patients and therapists. Of the 27 eligible patients, 20 consented to participate (74.1%). Of these included patients19 completed the study (95.0%). Eighteen participants (90.0%) attended both intervention sessions, and 19 (95.0%) participated in the DMT-MI session. Questionnaire return was 100%, with 96% item-level completeness. Semi-structured interviews were completed with all patients (19/19) and both therapists (2/2).

CONCLUSIONS: A within-subject comparative study protocol and structured DMT micro-intervention were feasible and acceptable when implemented within ongoing DMT group treatment for adults diagnosed with PD in a clinical setting. These findings can inform the design of future controlled trials. Future studies should address recruitment challenges arising from slow and unpredictable patient flow in long-term treatment programs and consider the high diagnostic heterogeneity and comorbidity within PD populations when planning sample sizes and study designs.