‘‘Stop Cutting—Rock!’’: A Pilot Study of a Music Therapeutic Program for Self-Injuring Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Music and Medicine 2(1) 59-65 a The Author(s) 2010 Reprints and permission: http://www. sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1943862109356928 http://mmd.sagepub.com Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common phenomenon in adolescence. This pilot study blended elements of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) with music therapy to reduce NSSI in a project for self-injuring female adolescents (N 1⁄4 5; mean age: 14 years 8 months; age range: 14-16 years). Four out of the 5 female adolescents had stopped self-injuring at the end of the program, and the depression score declined. The program proved to be a feasible alternative in an outpatient setting, although severe suicidal ideation presented as a problem. Blending different therapeutic approaches might be an interesting way to tailor effective treatments for specific patient groups. Keywords nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), self-harm, music therapy, dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A), adolescents