OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190903
Impact of different Sentiments evoked by Dance on Healthy Volunteer Spectators: A study on selected Sri Lankan Mask Dances
W V P H Ranaweera *1, C. Ponnamperuma 2, P.P.R. Perera 3
1 Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts and International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies (ICMS), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
2 National Hospital, Sri Lanka
3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Corresponding author: himalika@sjp.ac.lk
Volume 19, Issue 03, Pg. 43-56, 2026
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of differential sentiments evoked by the mask dances in Sri Lankan Low- Country tradition on spectators’ heart rate changes from baseline. Guided by the hypothesis that varying sentiments (or Rasa, as described In Nātyashāstraya of Bharatamuni) evoke distinct physiological responses, the research addressed the central question: How do different sentiments arising from Sri Lankan Low Country mask dances influence spectators’ heart rates? This cross-sectional study involved three live mask dance performances Salu Pāliya, Nonchi Kōlama, and Kalu Yakā which incorporates Humor, odious and furious sentiments respectively. Forty-eight healthy volunteers attended to examine the heart rate changes from baseline, and they were recorded using three-channel portable digital ECG monitors, and the data were analyzed quantitatively. Although the selected dances share many stylistic similarities, they differ primarily in mask type, character depiction, and the predominant sentiment conveyed. A reduction in mean heart rate from baseline was noted across all performances. The odious sentiment produced the greatest decrease (79.03 ± 16.49 bpm), lowering heart rate by 8.04 bpm, while humor (81.92 ± 18.04 bpm) and furious (83.21 ± 18.06 bpm) elicited smaller reductions of 2.11–3.40 bpm. The most significant variations were found in combinations involving odious sentiment. Overall, the results suggest that sentiments embedded in mask dance traditions exert a measurable influence on spectators’ physiological responses. These findings highlight the potential of preserving and promoting such indigenous performing arts to support well-being and contribute to sustainable development through cultural continuity.
Keywords: Audience, Heart rate, Low Country mask dance, Physiological responses, Well-being
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