Online Psychological Support and Rehabilitation Education for Dance Students with Injuries

Liang Zhang

PhD candidate, Department of Dance, General Graduate School, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 05006

Abstract

This study investigated the role of online psychological support and rehabilitation education for dance students experiencing dance-related injuries. Such injuries can affect students beyond their physical condition by disrupting training and influencing emotional well-being, confidence, identity, and preparedness to return to dance. A qualitative interview approach was employed to explore injured dance students’ experiences, perceptions, and support needs. Using purposive sampling, 10 students with dance-related injuries were recruited, and data were gathered through semi-structured online interviews and examined using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings indicated that participants experienced emotional distress, fear of reinjury, reduced confidence, peer isolation, and uncertainty about safely resuming dance. Online psychological support was considered beneficial when it offered privacy, reassurance, and emotional normalisation; however, concerns were raised regarding confidentiality, delays in receiving support, and the provision of generic advice. Online rehabilitation education also strengthened participants’ understanding of their injuries and ability to manage recovery, particularly when visual guidance, staged rehabilitation plans, and dance-specific examples were provided. The study concludes that injured dance students require integrated and confidential online support tailored to the demands of dance, bringing together psychological care, rehabilitation education, and guidance for a safe return to dance.

Dance Students; Injury Rehabilitation; Online Psychological Support; Rehabilitation Education; Qualitative Interviews