Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests
Summary
A study from the University of Oxford found that young adults who took salsa dance classes for eight weeks showed larger improvements in depression, social anxiety, and daily happiness compared to those who did not. The research suggests salsa could be a helpful, enjoyable activity to support mental health, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment.Key Facts
- The study involved 121 young adults aged 18 to 24 with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
- Participants were randomly assigned to either salsa classes or a control group with no dance intervention.
- Mental health was measured before, during, and after the eight-week program using questionnaires.
- Salsa participants reported greater reductions in depression and social anxiety symptoms than the control group.
- Daily happiness levels increased more in the salsa group than in the non-dancing group.
- Salsa combines physical activity, social interaction, music, structure, and playfulness, which may help make social contact easier.
- Researchers suggest salsa could be offered as an optional wellbeing activity alongside other treatments but not as a stand-alone therapy.
- Similar studies show that social activities like karate, art classes, and book clubs can also improve mental health in young people.
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