The impact of expressive arts therapy on college students' mental health: an action research to support its integration into the aesthetic education curriculum in Chinese university

The psychological problems of students are becoming increasingly serious, that challenges safety in China Universities. The research integrates expressive arts therapy and aesthetic education courses to enhance students' mental health. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as part of expressive arts therapy has the potential in combating mental health issue. However, the effectiveness of DMT embedded in formal curriculum is under explored. Hence, this study explores the integration of expressive arts therapy in the form of dance movement into university aesthetic education courses and its impact on enhancing students' mental health. The integration of expressive arts therapy into university aesthetic education courses is practical and can effectively enhance college students' mental health. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the impact and feasibility of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). It analyzes the current state of aesthetic education curriculum development in China, systematically examines the historical evolution and growth of DMT. An interview was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the DMT curriculum by exploring students' self-acceptance and interpersonal acceptance. In addition, an experiment was conducted to determine the negative belief levels across three dimensions which are avoidance, paranoia, and obsession. The interview reveals that DMT courses effectively improve participants' self-acceptance and interpersonal acceptance. Additionally, the experimental result revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in avoidant and paranoid negative beliefs after completing the course. Therefore, the DMT course significantly enhances students' physical and mental health. Students shows improvement in enthusiasm for classroom participation, interdisciplinary learning, social skills, and emotional communication therefore foster their overall development. The DMT course offers innovative approaches to mental health and aesthetic education in Chinese universities, providing valuable insights into how DMT can enhance students' educational experience and mental well-being.