Movement and sport therapy with women in Guatemalan context of violence and conflict

The programme of ‘psychosocial activity through movement, games and sport with women’ (APM) who suffer or suffered violence was developed and evaluated with two groups of Mayan women in rural area of Guatemala. We highlight the use of principals and methods of movement and sport therapy, a psychosocial approach, participatory group techniques, cultural sensitive methodologies and the model of Salutogenesis. Both qualitative (participatory observation, semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) research methods were used. Through ongoing evaluation we analysed key factors and intervention processes, based on verbal and non-verbal techniques. The outcome evaluation showed significant improvements on several psychosocial health aspects (Sense of Coherence, self-esteem).