The co-joint change in kinaesthetic ability and openness to experience in the professional development of DMT trainees

The present study investigates the relationship between change in kinaesthetic ability and change in openness to experience among Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) trainees, compared with Art Therapy and Social Science students. A field study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pre–post control group design. Participants were 62 graduate students. A standard measure of openness to experience was used and kinaesthetic ability was evaluated using a table of movement dimensions based on Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). Results suggested an increase among the DMT cohort in all domains of kinaesthetic ability as well as in openness to experience. This increase in kinaesthetic ability was related to increases in openness to experience. Therapeutic elements and movement experience in DMT training may thus promote an increase in both kinaesthetic ability and openness to experience.