Presenter: Sophia Pettit
Authors: Sophia Pettit, Nathan Bingham
Faculty Advisor: Daniel Hubler
Institution: Weber State University
There is a proven correlation between dancing and confidence, with self-confidence levels being elevated in those who practice the art of dance (Lovatt, 2011). This study explores the possibility of dance impacting relational intimacy in romantic relationships. For purposes of this study, romantic relationships were categorized into four themes; cohabitation, dating (exclusive), married or divorced. Through a cross-sectional survey analysis of adults aged 18 to 70 across the United States, this study is assessing the relationship(s) between dancing, conflict resolution, and romantic relationship satisfaction. The study utilizes two valid family sciences scales: the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI) developed by Funk and Rogge and the Communication Patterns Questionnaire - Short Form (CPQSF) developed by Christensen and Heavy. It was hypothesized that, as dance frequency increases, relationship satisfaction levels would also increase. An analysis of preliminary data that is still coming in shows that a majority of respondents were 18-21 years of age, fifty-nine respondents identified as female, nine as male, and one respondent identified as “gender non-conforming”. This early data also showed a majority of respondents reside in Utah and Oregon, with respondents from eleven other states as well. Through bivariate correlation analysis of this preliminary data, we have found that dance may be a meaningful activity for those in romantic relationships. Based on the data collected within the study, recommendations of dance correlated programs within the family sciences field, specifically Family Life Education (FLE), Marriage Therapy, and fields working directly with couples, will be provided in detail.