26isfam037 10.3205/26isfam037 urn:nbn:de:0183-26isfam0373 Meeting Abstract Kakoty Kakoty Rrishika R

SRH University, Heidelberg

author German Medical Science GMS Publishing House

Düsseldorf

610 20260612 engl This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Dieser Artikel ist ein Open-Access-Artikel und steht unter den Lizenzbedingungen der Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (Namensnennung). M0652 037 International Society for Arts and Medicine The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine Presentation Abstracts Berlin 20260618 20260620 26isfam037 TextBackground: Pediatric oncology patients often experience significant psychosocial distress, yet culturally adapted psychosocial interventions remain scarce in low-resource Indian settings. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) employs embodied expression as a psychotherapeutic approach and may be particularly suitable where verbal communication is limited and dance traditions are culturally resonant.Objective: To examine whether a culturally grounded, Indian dance-informed DMT program can enhance emotional well-being, social engagement, and perceived quality of life among pediatric oncology patients, as observed by caregivers.Methods: Using an interpretive-constructivist qualitative design, a six-session DMT program incorporating Sattriya and Bihu movement elements was implemented at the Deepsikha Foundation in Guwahati, Assam. Five children (ages 6–15) who attended at least four sessions were included. Semi-structured interviews with caregivers were conducted within 24 hours of the final session. Transcripts were translated into English and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis across three coding cycles.Results: Six interrelated themes emerged: treatment-related behavioral shifts, increased sense of self and confidence, improved mood and emotional regulation, evolving caregiver perspectives, enhanced social interaction and group cohesion, and perceived therapeutic value of DMT. Caregivers described greater resilience, peer engagement, and use of movement-based coping strategies among children.Conclusion: Findings suggest that culturally adapted DMT is a feasible and meaningful adjunct in pediatric oncology within low-resource Indian contexts. It may promote emotional resilience and social connectedness. Further mixed-methods research with larger samples and standardized measures is recommended to evaluate long-term impact and therapeutic mechanisms. 0 0 0 0