{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Dance Therapy and the Self-Concept in Adults with Mild Mental Retardation: A Literature Review and Proposed Model</span></p> <p>This paper advocates techniques for utilizing dance therapy with adults with mild mental retardation enabling them to develop and maintain a positive self-concept. A review of etiological factors, the development of the self-concept, psychotherapeutic techniques used with clients with mild mental retardation and dance therapy is presented. The basic premise is that all persons with mental retardation confront powerful stigmatizing behavior. The literature attests that they are fully aware of how they are viewed and treated and able to identify feelings of low self-concept. Dance Therapy is introduced as a way for such people to gain a capacity to express feelings, reduce isolation and improve body image, consequently improving self-concept. The model presented provides concrete activities for redefining self including: body a here-and -now approach, reality testing, cohesion, symbolism and use of weight. It is maintained by the author that the mentally retarded label can be accepted if clients redefine that label. This can be achieved through redefinition of the self.</p>"}