In recent years, the mental health of performers has gained increasing attention, with dancers representing a unique population facing numerous psychological challenges. A groundbreaking systematic review published in BMC Psychology in 2025 by Zhang, Noh, and Liu delves deeply into psychological interventions tailored specifically for dancers, aiming to improve their mental wellbeing. This comprehensive research synthesizes current knowledge on mental health strategies in the context of dance—a demanding art form combining physical rigor with intense emotional expression. The insights offered reveal the complex interplay between psychological resilience, stress, and performance anxiety, shedding light on innovative therapeutic approaches designed to enhance dancers’ mental health and, ultimately, their artistic output.
Dance, as both a physical and expressive activity, introduces dancers to multifaceted stressors unparalleled in many other professions. The combination of constant physical strain, high-performance pressure, and subjective artistic critique creates a fertile ground for mental health disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Zhang and colleagues’ review highlights that unlike traditional sports psychology, dance psychology bridges creative expression with athletic precision, necessitating specialized interventions that address both corporeal and cognitive components. Their systematic investigation synthesizes data spanning cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, empathy-based counseling, and novel psychophysiological methods, illustrating how a multi-modal approach can deliver tailored mental health support to dancers.
A core revelation from the review is the critical importance of early intervention and prevention. The research compiles evidence demonstrating that proactive psychological techniques—implemented during training phases—can mitigate the onset of mental health crises. Early-life exposure to causative stressors often primes veteran dancers for maladaptive coping mechanisms, underscoring the necessity of embedding psychological resources within dance institutions. Zhang et al. argue that integrating mental health education directly into physical training curricula, alongside physiological conditioning, fosters holistic wellbeing that enhances resilience to career demands and emotional pressures that dancers constantly navigate.
One of the most compelling elements explored is the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modalities customized for dancers. Standard CBT frameworks were adapted to address recurrent negative self-talk, pervasive fear of failure, and performance-related stress uniquely prevalent in dancers. The review documents successful protocols where dancers learned to reframe catastrophic thinking and appraise performance feedback without succumbing to debilitating anxiety. In these applications, therapists collaborated closely with dance instructors to create a cohesive support network wherein cognitive reframing also aligned with physical training goals—demonstrating the synergistic potential of integrated mind-body therapeutic strategies.
Mindfulness-based interventions emerge prominently in the findings as particularly suitable for dancers, whose practice inherently demands acute bodily awareness and emotional regulation. Zhang et al. discuss how mindfulness meditation and body scan techniques empower dancers to cultivate a nonjudgmental awareness of physical sensations, emotional fluctuations, and intrusive thoughts. These methods reportedly reduce symptoms of stress and enhance emotional tolerance, enabling dancers to maintain presence in high-stakes performance settings. The neurobiological underpinnings suggest mindfulness enhances prefrontal cortex activity related to executive control while dampening amygdala-driven emotional reactivity, thus recalibrating stress responses uniquely relevant to dancers’ experiences.
The review also examines the role of psychophysiological biofeedback as an emerging area of interest. Utilizing real-time monitoring of heart rate variability and muscle tension, biofeedback interventions help dancers gain novel insight into autonomic nervous system regulation during rehearsal and performance. Zhang and colleagues detail studies showing that biofeedback training can effectively reduce physiological arousal associated with performance anxiety, increasing parasympathetic nervous system dominance and producing a calmer, more focused mental state. This technological integration bridges traditional therapy with quantifiable physiological data, promising a new frontier in personalizing psychological care for high-performance artists.
Equally significant are the social dimensions addressed in the research. The authors underscore the importance of supportive peer networks, mentorship, and open mental health discourse within dance communities. The systematic review presents evidence that social connectedness serves as a buffer against depression and isolation, common phenomena in the competitive and often solitary world of dance. Interventions aimed at fostering a culture of dialogue—where vulnerabilities are normalized and mental health conversations destigmatized—correlate with enhanced psychological outcomes and greater retention in dance careers. This social-psychological synergy emphasizes that mental health cannot be disentangled from the communal ecosystem in which dancers perform and train.
Zhang et al. also explore the necessity of tailoring interventions across different dance genres and career stages, acknowledging the heterogeneity of stressors and psychological profiles. For instance, ballet dancers may experience distinct body image concerns and rigid performance standards, whereas contemporary dancers face more fluid creative pressures and often less institutional structure. Similarly, novice and elite dancers confront disproportionate psychological challenges, requiring developmentally informed interventions that evolve alongside career milestones. This nuanced approach suggests a paradigm shift from one-size-fits-all mental health care toward flexible, individualized psychological support embedded throughout dancers’ professional trajectories.
An intriguing section of the review delves into the potential application of virtual reality (VR) as a training adjunct for psychological resilience. By simulating performance environments and stress-inducing scenarios, VR exposures allow dancers to practice coping strategies in controlled yet immersive settings. Preliminary studies noted in the review indicate that VR can attenuate performance anxiety by habituating dancers to anxiety-provoking stimuli, optimizing emotional regulation ahead of actual performances. Although still in nascent stages, this technology-enhanced intervention exemplifies the innovative convergence of psychology, neuroscience, and digital technology in addressing mental health among performing artists.
A significant practical implication of the review is a call for cross-disciplinary collaboration in implementing psychological interventions. Zhang and colleagues advocate for integrated mental health teams involving psychologists, dance educators, physical therapists, and medical professionals working synergistically. This team-oriented model emphasizes shared knowledge and holistic care that recognizes the interdependence of mental and physical health in dancers. Developing institutional frameworks to facilitate such collaborations represents a pivotal step toward sustainable mental health support structures within the notoriously demanding performing arts ecosystems.
Despite the positive impact of existing interventions, the review critically highlights ongoing barriers to accessing mental health care among dancers. Cultural stigma, lack of awareness, financial constraints, and institutional neglect continue to impede widespread adoption of psychological services. Moreover, the transient and often freelance nature of dance careers complicates consistent mental health support. Zhang et al. call for policy reforms and increased funding to integrate psychological care as an essential component of dancers’ health infrastructure, underscoring ethical imperatives and long-term benefits of safeguarding mental wellbeing in this vulnerable population.
The systematic review further addresses the underexplored area of trauma among dancers, a domain linked to both psychological disturbance and physical injury. Given the high incidence of stress-related injuries and sometimes abusive training environments, trauma-informed psychological interventions are crucial. The authors emphasize trauma-sensitive approaches that validate dancers’ experiences and promote recovery without retraumatization, integrating modalities such as somatic experiencing and trauma-focused CBT. Recognizing trauma’s role provides a more comprehensive therapeutic framework that respects the depth of psychological wounds beyond generalized anxiety or depression.
In terms of future research directions, Zhang et al. advocate for longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy of psychological interventions across dancers’ career spans. Current research is often limited by short-term assessments, leaving gaps in understanding sustained benefits or potential relapse. They also propose expanded exploration of culturally responsive interventions tailored to diverse populations within the global dance community, addressing sociocultural factors influencing mental health manifestations and treatment receptivity. The pursuit of evidence-based, culturally sensitive, lifelong mental health strategies stands as a pivotal goal to uplift the global dance community.
In conclusion, this systematic review by Zhang, Noh, and Liu represents a landmark synthesis of psychological strategies designed to combat mental health challenges endemic to the dance profession. By articulating the interplay of cognitive, emotional, physiological, and social determinants of wellbeing, the study lays a foundation for implementing science-driven, customized mental health care that honors both the artistic and human dimensions of dancers. As the performing arts increasingly embrace mental health as integral to artistic excellence, such comprehensive analyses mark a transformative step toward healthier, more resilient dancers who can thrive both on and off the stage.
Subject of Research: Psychological interventions for mental health in dancers
Article Title: Psychological interventions for dancers’ mental health: a systematic review
Article References:
Zhang, Y., Noh, YE. & Liu, S. Psychological interventions for dancers’ mental health: a systematic review. BMC Psychol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03724-7
Image Credits: AI Generated
