Oxford AMISTAD (Social Dance) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Social Movement Intervention as a Supplementary Treatment Approach for Depression (AMISTAD): Social Dance to Supplement Treatment as Usual for Individuals Seeking Treatment via NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression
IRAS ID
344302
Contact name
Brennan Delattre
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Previous research has suggested that dance, and particularly, social forms of dance, could be particularly useful for improving and alleviating depression [1-2]. However, there have been relatively few studies evaluating this, and the extant studies have rarely used samples seeking routine care in NHS settings. This is an essential step to considering the potential utility of social dance interventions for those seeking care for depression. In this research, we will offer community-based social dance classes to NHS patients seeking treatment via NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services (NHS TTad). Our primary aims are to assess the acceptability of social dance classes to patients, the feasibility of implementing such an intervention for individuals recruited via NHS TTad, and retention of participants attending the social dance classes. Secondly, we aim to investigate changes in depressive symptoms for those participating in the social dance classes, and compare this to changes in depressive symptoms for those not participating in these classes. Thirdly, we will aim to investigate changes in participants’ social and emotional processing over the course of participating in the social dance classes. If this study finds social dance to be acceptable to individuals waiting for or beginning treatment for depression within the NHS, this will inform future larger-scale studies into the effectiveness of social dance for reducing depression.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SC/0106
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion