Examination of the effect of social latin dances on body image, self efficacy and social skill

In the present study we aimed to examine the influence of social latin dances on individuals body image satisfaction, self-efficacy and social skills. The sample included dancer and non-dancer individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 35. Social Physique Anxiety Scale, Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire, Self-Efficacy Scale and Social Skill Inventory were used to as the measurement devices. Descriptive statistics, spearman correlation analysis, regression analysis with a stepwise fashion and 2 way multiple analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Results showed that individuals participating social latin dances have been found to have higher level of body image satisfaction and lower level of social physique anxiety than non-dancers. Further, social latin dance participants have been found to have higher level social skills than non-dancers. Dance participants have not been to have a consistent effect on self-efficacy. The present study provided preliminary evidence that social latin dances may lead to more positive body image perception. In future studies we recommend to examine this topic in longitudinal studies.