Investigation of Anxiety, Depression and Physical Activity Level in Whirling Dervishes

Sema, which means "to listen/hear" in lexical meaning, is a special physical activity performed in the form of rotating in different positions rhythmically with music.During the sema activity, although it is similar to dance therapy due to the cyclical movements it contains, it can also be evaluated as a physical activity. With Sema music therapy accompanied by musical melodies, it is similar to meditation, as the ties with the world are cut off and the attempt is made to reach divine love. Various studies have shown that physical activity, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation have positive effects on depression and anxiety in the literature. However, there is no scientific study in the literature investigating the effects of Sema activity, which includes all these approaches, on depression, anxiety and physical activity. In order to support the literature in this sense, this study was planned to examine the effects of Sema activity on physical activity level, depression and anxiety. Individuals between the ages of 18-60 who are registered in Konya Mevlana Cultural Center who have been doing Sema for at least 1 year will be included in the study. Participants who agree to participate in the study will be asked to fill in the online Informed Volunteer Form, Demographic Information Form, Beck Anxiete Scale, Beck Depression Scale and International Physical Activity Scale - Short Form. The data will be analyzed statistically with SPSS version 23.0.