Researchers from the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust conducted a randomized controlled trial examining the mental health effects of salsa dancing on young adults. The study enrolled 121 participants aged 18 to 24 who had mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Participants were randomly divided into a salsa dance program group or a control group, with both completing mental health questionnaires before, during, and after the eight-week intervention.
The results, published in Psychological Medicine, showed that participants in the salsa program experienced clinically significant reductions in depressive symptoms and social anxiety compared to the control group. Additionally, those who took salsa classes reported larger increases in daily happiness. Lead researcher Brennan Delattre noted that salsa’s combination of physical activity, social engagement, musical elements, and structured format may make social interaction feel more approachable for some individuals compared to unstructured social settings.
While the findings are promising, Delattre cautioned that the evidence is not yet sufficient to recommend salsa as a standalone treatment for clinically diagnosed depression. She suggested that general practitioners and social prescribing services could offer accessible dance classes as a complementary wellness intervention, particularly for young people interested in this activity. Further clinical trials with active comparison groups would be needed before making stronger prescribing recommendations.
The study builds on earlier research demonstrating benefits of social prescribing programs, which connected adolescents on mental health waiting lists to activities such as karate, art classes, book clubs, and nature walking. Experts noted that the findings support a broader recognition that community-based, enjoyable social activities can contribute to mental health support alongside traditional clinical approaches.
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