Embodying Joy

Promoting Mindfulness, Flourishing, and Wellness in Higher Education Through the Arts 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Ervin Tampus Echague, Marie Grace Avelino Gomez
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-3877-4.ch010
Cited by: 1
References: 27

Abstract

In tertiary education, dance functions as both an artistic discipline and a psychosocial tool for cultivating joy, meaning, and emotional resilience. Drawing from positive psychology, existentialism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), dance education fosters autonomy, competence, relatedness, mindfulness, optimism, and gratitude. Joy arises through embodied presence, creative self-expression, flow states, and cultural connection, supported by neurobiological benefits. Integrating these principles enhances performance, emotional intelligence, resilience, and social cohesion, positioning dance as a transformative and holistic practice for student flourishing in higher education.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Diversity and Impact of Dance Flow Experience in Various Fields Sport Psychology and Performance

Publication details

Journal / source
Promoting Mindfulness, Flourishing, and Wellness in Higher Education Through the Arts
Publisher
IGI Global Scientific Publishing
Pages
255–288
Publication date
5 February 2026
Language
NG
Document type
Book chapter