Dance- and Movement-Based Interventions for Mental Well-being in Iran: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Context: Dance, as a universal cultural expression, contributes to physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. It is also used in dance/movement therapy (DMT). Despite growing international evidence, research on this topic in Iran remains limited. This study aimed to map the existing literature on dance interventions for mental well-being in Iran. Evidence Acquisition: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, SID, MagIran, and Irandoc for studies published from January 2015 to October 2025. English and Persian keywords related to dance, movement, therapy, dance/movement therapy (DMT), rhythmic movement, psychological well-being, mental health, and Iran were used. Results: Of the 271 records identified, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 71.43% of the studies focused on pediatric populations and primarily used quasi-experimental pretest-posttest designs. Sample sizes ranged from 14 to 55 participants, and intervention durations ranged from 6 to 12 weeks. Interventions implemented in Iran were classified into two main types: 1) rhythmic movement and exercise-based programs and 2) cognitive-motor and executive function-focused interventions. Mental disorders and cognitive functioning were the most frequently assessed outcomes. Conclusions: Dance- and movement-based interventions in Iran are emerging and are primarily framed as exercise or cognitive-training approaches rather than as formal DMT. The available evidence remains preliminary and heterogeneous. Future research should develop culturally adapted and theoretically grounded models while maintaining sensitivity to the sociocultural context.