Leiden University Student Repository

Weelde, Emma van (2026)

De dans van herstel: De rol van dans in de neurologische processen van emotie- en stressregulatie bij getraumatiseerde kinderen volgens de Polyvagaaltheorie: Een systematische review

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

Children who have experienced a traumatic experience might experience a disturbed nervous system, which makes it difficult for them to regulate emotion, stress and behavior. This manifests itself in behavioral problems. Traditional interventions focus on cognitive processing, while the body – where trauma is stored – is sometimes insufficiently involved. This systematic review uses the Polyvagal Theory as a theoretical framework to examine how dance affects the neurological mechanisms involved in emotion and stress regulation as well as the behavior displayed by traumatized children. According to the Polyvagal Theory, behavior on five neurological processes that help control emotions and stress, among other things. These neurological mechanisms include neuroception, the vagus nerve, social connectivity, the autonomic nervous systems hierarchical functioning and the significance of co-regulation. The core of the autonomic nervous system is located at the vagus nerve. This is critical...Show moreChildren who have experienced a traumatic experience might experience a disturbed nervous system, which makes it difficult for them to regulate emotion, stress and behavior. This manifests itself in behavioral problems. Traditional interventions focus on cognitive processing, while the body – where trauma is stored – is sometimes insufficiently involved. This systematic review uses the Polyvagal Theory as a theoretical framework to examine how dance affects the neurological mechanisms involved in emotion and stress regulation as well as the behavior displayed by traumatized children. According to the Polyvagal Theory, behavior on five neurological processes that help control emotions and stress, among other things. These neurological mechanisms include neuroception, the vagus nerve, social connectivity, the autonomic nervous systems hierarchical functioning and the significance of co-regulation. The core of the autonomic nervous system is located at the vagus nerve. This is critical for the control of physiological states and establishes the state of survival, social connection and sense of security. The vagus nerve can be divided into two branches, the dorsal vagus and the ventral vagus. In the event of a severe threat, the dorsal vagus is responsible for immobilization or freezing. Safety, social engagement, self-regulation and co-regulation are all influenced by the ventral vagus. Dance stimulates physiological and psychological processes. Dance and Movement Therapy, based on the principles of the Polyvagal Theory, recognizes that there must be a constant form of safety and trust in therapy. The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the child is a critical component of the treatment process. Providing co-regulation to the child enables the child to form safe relationships with others. The utilization of the Polyvagal Theory techniques enhances the child’s perception of safety and well-being.Show less

Child, trauma, emotion- and stressregulation, Polyvagal theory and dance

Author

Weelde, Emma van

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Forensische Gezinspedagogiek

Supervisors

Anna Lotz

ECTS Credits

20

Language

nl