The Use of Laban Movement Analysis in the Study of Personality, Emotional State and Movement Style: An Exploratory Investigation of the Veridicality of "Body Language"
Author(s): Jacqyln A. Levy, Marshall P. Duke
Abstract: The present study examines the application of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) in research on personality and movement style. LMA is a method of analyzing movement that is widely accepted in the dance field, and it is argued that its use may have important implications for psychologists. Thirty-six college students participated in a movement improvisation and completed the Beck Depression Inventory II, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and Adjective Check List. The movement improvisation was scored with a measure developed based on the principles of LMA. Correlational analyses revealed relationships among emotional states of depression and anxiety, a selection of personality characteristics (needs for affiliation, achievement, dominance and exhibition), and specific movement variables. Discussion focused on the mutual benefit for psychology and dance theory/practice of the use of Laban Movement Analysis in research on nonverbal behavior.
Pages: 39-63
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