EFPSA Research Programme 2022/2023 experience

Our team is part of the EFPSA Research Programme 2022-2023 and consists of six members and our supervisor. The title of our Research Project is ‘Dance Therapy for migration-affected women with psychological trauma: Socio-demographic Barriers and Facilitators’.  The objective of our study is to identify the variables contributing to the development of stress, PTSD, anxiety and/or depression for migration-affected women participating in dance therapy workshops. 

Our journey during this past year has been truly rewarding and we already had the chance to enjoy some positive outcomes of our work. So far, we have written the Registered Report for JEPS, worked on feedback, and started writing our final scientific article, including the theoretical basis and methodology. Also, we obtained Ethical Approval in France and Germany and have been collecting data in Germany, France and Italy. In order to collect the data, we contacted dance therapists in our countries, and we created a dance/movement therapy workshop in Germany, which has led to fifteen women benefiting from it already. Many workshop participants have provided us with positive feedback and it has been particularly fulfilling for us to see that our project also has a positive impact on people’s lives. Participants reported that the dance therapy workshops had benefited them physically, socially and emotionally. Finally, we had the opportunity to present our work at the EFPSA Congress that took place in Portugal in 2023. Our future plans include finishing the data collection, and analysing as well as interpreting the results. Furthermore, we plan on completing the writing of the scientific article by September 2023 and we will submit it to an international journal for publication.

However, our journey has not always been smooth sailing. During these past few months, we came across several challenges, such as difficulties in obtaining ethical approval and finding participants. Moreover, as the participants of our project are migration-affected women and many of them face life problems, it has been hard for some of them to keep attending the workshops. As a result, we had to handle some dropouts by offering creative and flexible solutions but at the same time by honouring the participants’ need to withdraw. Apart from the research-related challenges we also had to overcome hurdles within our research team, like the dropout of two team members. Working together online when based in different countries can also be challenging at times and requires coordination and effort. Although these bumps in the road led to us feeling discouraged at times, in the end we grew stronger as a team, as we managed to handle all the challenges successfully. 

Finally, being part of the EFPSA Research Programme has helped each one of us grow both scientifically and personally. The Research Programme gives us the opportunity to develop our teamwork, interpersonal and research skills in conducting a research project and publishing it. But above all, we are grateful that we had the chance to meet all these amazing people, make new friends from all over the world, exchange ideas, discover new cultures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

About the author:

My name is Fatlinda Demiri Idrizi, and I am thrilled to share my captivating journey as a member of the illustrious group known as “The Dancing Crystals.” A years ago, I had the privilege of joining this extraordinary ensemble during a transformative summer school in Greece. The experience not only heightened my passion for the performing arts but also kindled an unwavering commitment to the realm of psychology and neuroscience. With a deep-rooted fascination for the intricate workings of the human mind, I pursued my academic endeavours, culminating in a recent graduation in psychology and neuroscience. This multifaceted field has allowed me to explore the depths of human cognition, emotions, and behaviours, unravelling the enigmatic nature of our existence. The brain, in particular, has emerged as a profound source of wonder for me. One peculiar fact that drew me irresistibly towards studying the brain was its astonishing resilience to pain.

As I strive to forge a path towards becoming a professional researcher and doctor, my aspirations are driven by a resolute desire to contribute to the ever-expanding knowledge of psychology and neuroscience. Among the numerous authors and thinkers who have left an indelible mark on me, Daniel Kahneman stands tall. His thought-provoking works have revolutionised the way I think and behave, challenging conventional wisdom and shedding light on the fascinating realms of human decision-making and cognitive biases. The profound impact of Kahneman’s books has inspired me to delve deeper into the complexities of the human mind and apply this knowledge in my future endeavors. With each step, I hope to continue the mesmerising dance of knowledge, enriching our understanding of the mind and the human experience.