Music Therapy Program Research Articles

Primjena muzikoterapije u poticanju majcinske privrzenosti i samopercipiranih roditeljskih kompetencija majki u riziku

Early experience of emotional communication contributes to the attachment between mother and infant and has an impact on the child’s neurological, social, and emotional development. By applying music therapy activities aimed at parent-child interaction, it is possible to create experiences in which the mother and child share the rhythm, tempo, melody, and pitch of their voices, what are all intrinsic elements of the early attachment process. The aim of this paper was to explore the possibility of applying music therapy in promoting maternal attachment and self-perceived parental competence in mothers at risk. The study was conducted on a sample of three mothers and their infants who were enrolled in a music therapy program once a week for 10 weeks. Before and after conducting music therapy, the mothers completed the Maternal Postnatal Affection Scale and the Parental Sense of Competence Scale. The obtained results indicate the positive outcomes of music therapy in enhancing maternal attachment in mothers at risk as well as the level of selfperceived competence in parental role. Music therapy intervention can be integrated as a therapeutic approach aimed at enhancing attachment in the mother-infant dyad and at fostering parental competence in mothers at-risk.

Cognitive–behavioural therapy combined with music therapy for chronic fatigue following Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in chronic fatigue (CF) syndrome. However, CBT has not been investigated in postinfectious CF, nor is it known whether addition of therapeutic elements from other...

Effects of an Active Music Therapy Program on Functional Fitness in Community Older Adults.

Health problems common among older adults living in community settings include a lack of functional fitness. Many studies have confirmed that exercises and static music therapy improve physical and psychological health problems. Exercise programs involving music have a higher frequency of attendance and motivation than other exercise programs. Active participation in active group music therapy results in better therapeutic effects. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of a 3-month active group music therapy program on the functional fitness of community older adults in Taiwan. A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was applied. A convenience cluster sample of older adults was drawn from seven senior-citizen activity centers in southern Taiwan. All participants were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 77) or a comparison group (n = 69) based on the requests of each senior center. The experimental group participated in the active group music therapy program for 3 months (twice per week and 60 minutes per session). The comparison group maintained their daily activities. Each participant's level of functional fitness was measured at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after the start of the intervention. Seventy-one participants in the experimental group and 62 participants in the comparison group completed the 3-month study. At the 1-month measurement, the experimental group had greater improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness, upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, upper limb muscle power, lower limb muscle endurance, and balance than the comparison group (all ps < .05). These significant improvements persisted through the 3-month intervention (all ps < .05). Active group music therapy is an effective complementary and alternative therapy for improving six items of functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults. Healthcare professionals may incorporate this active group music therapy program as a health promotion activity for older adults living in community settings.

Towards sustainable implementation of music in daily care of people with dementia and their spouses

Primary caregivers (PCs) of people with dementia deal with stressful daily living, especially spouses whose care recipient is at home. Several programs have been developed to aid caregiving by providing musical strategies, yet successful sustainable implementation of music in the daily lives of the couples awaits further research and development. To promote this, in this pilot study we proposed a music therapy program that included 12 weekly sessions with the couple in their home environment. In addition, there were bi-weekly phone counseling sessions with the PC, to reflect on the joint sessions and to help implement music in daily life. Findings based on the description, analysis, and interpretation of two cases showed that the proposed program provided a strong foundation upon which the treatment could succeed; it relied on natural forces such as the use of songs, which can empower each of the spouses individually, as well as together as a couple; and it included elements of ongoing support that enabled preservation of the accomplishments that were achieved during the sessions. Future research is required to examine whether this program is appropriate for couples in other housing contexts, and in different stages of dementia.

Heart Rate Variability Synchronizes When Non-experts Vocalize Together.

Singing and chanting are ubiquitous across World cultures. It has been theorized that such practices are an adaptive advantage for humans because they facilitate bonding and cohesion between group members. Investigations into the effects of singing together have so far focused on the physiological effects, such as the synchronization of heart rate variability (HRV), of experienced choir singers. Here, we study whether HRV synchronizes for pairs of non-experts in different vocalizing conditions. Using time-frequency coherence (TFC) analysis, we find that HRV becomes more coupled when people make long (> 10 s) sounds synchronously compared to short sounds (< 1 s) and baseline measurements (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we find that, although most of the effect can be attributed to respiratory sinus arrhythmia, some HRV synchronization persists when the effect of respiration is removed: long notes show higher partial TFC than baseline and breathing (p < 0.05). In addition, we observe that, for most dyads, the frequency of the vocalization onsets matches that of the peaks in the TFC spectra, even though these frequencies are above the typical range of 0.04–0.4 Hz. A clear correspondence between high HRV coupling and the subjective experience of “togetherness" was not found. These results suggest that since autonomic physiological entrainment is observed for non-expert singing, it may be exploited as part of interventions in music therapy or social prescription programs for the general population.

Development of Percussion-oriented Group Music Therapy Program and Verification of Effectiveness for Depression Reduction in General Elderly

Development of Percussion-oriented Group Music Therapy Program and Verification of Effectiveness for Depression Reduction in General Elderly

Role of Music Therapy in Reducing the Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Background: A variety of psychological factors can manipulate the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of music therapy in reducing anxiety and depression in premenstrual syndrome. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest method with a control group. The statistical population of this study included 30 women with the premenstrual syndrome who were referred to Rah-e-Bartar Clinic, Tehran, Iran, in the first six months of 2019. They were then selected voluntarily and assigned randomly in two groups of experimental and control (15 cases per group). Subsequently, the participants were requested to complete Beckchr('39')s Anxiety Test and Beckchr('39')s Depression Test before and after the intervention. A researcher-made music-therapy program was used as the therapeutic intervention. The experimental group was then asked to participate in 12 sessions of music therapy each lasted for 45 min (two sessions per week). At the end of the intervention, the experimental group re-completed the tests at the posttest phase, and the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Results: According to the results, after comparing the experimental and control groups at the posttest, the anxiety (Sig=0.06; F=0.12) and depression (Sig=0.09, F=0.10) scores were obtained greater than 0.05. Conclusion: It can be concluded that music therapy was effective in reducing the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, two of the most important of which are anxiety and depression.

Parental perceptions of the Sing&Grow programme: group music therapy building knowledge, confidence and social support

ABSTRACT New parenthood is demanding and can negatively impact socially, emotionally and financially on family members particularly those already experiencing stress due to poverty or hardship, mental illness or isolation. Vulnerable parents are at risk of lower self-efficacy in parenting and less positive relationships with their children. Sing&Grow is a federally funded music therapy programme utilizing group parent–child music therapy sessions, aimed at reducing the impact of adversity and improving child future trajectories. In this interview study, ten Sing&Grow participants from across Australia discussed their experiences of the Sing&Grow programme and the influence upon their family life. Participants perceived that the programme had developed their confidence as parents by increasing their knowledge in child development and parenting skills. Improved parental self-efficacy appeared to translate into enhanced family relationships. While Sing&Grow targets vulnerable parents, these findings suggest the programme may be valuable for all new parents.

The Analysis of the Music Therapy Program’s Effect on Taking Turn-Sharing Skills and Expressing Feelings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study aimed to reveal the influence of a music therapy program on the development of the abilities to taking turn-share and express feelings of a child of 8 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This research was designed using mixed research methods. The study was carried out in a state school, which had a source class, in 2016-2017 academic year. A music therapy program was developed by the researcher and applied to the participant in the individual format. The participant participated in 70 individual music therapy sessions and 19 classroom observations. Music therapy sessions and lesson observations were quantitatively analyzed by using Oldfield’s Video Analysis Method. The results of the analysis revealed that the social skills of the participant to taking turn-share and express feelings are improving both in music therapy and in lesson observations. The results of the research were discussed with the support of the litearture.

Community Music Therapy 프로그램이 지적장애 성인의 자기통제력 및 자기효능감에 미치는 영향

Community Music Therapy 프로그램이 지적장애 성인의 자기통제력 및 자기효능감에 미치는 영향

Music Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Following Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Adolescents

AbstractThis research study, which was a part of arandomized controlled trial, explored music therapy as a part of an individually tailored mental training programfor Chronic Fatigue(CF) following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in adolescents. This article presents the qualitative data stemming from the interviews, which focused on music therapy. The interviews were performed after completion of the program. The mental training program consisted of 10 sessions distributed between a family session (1), individual sessions with music therapy (4), and individual cognitive behavioral therapy (6). Music therapy included music listening, improvisation, song writing, instrument training, in addition to suggested homework. The analysis was informed through the procedure of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results indicated three main themes: i) personal capacity to act through music, ii) subjective understanding of the link between body and mind, and iii) inhabiting the music space. We suggest future music therapy program to be resource- and user oriented, improvisational, and offer training on an instrument. A vital component should be active music listening, comprising verbal communication, relaxation techniques and joint verbal reflection, to foster mentalization. The therapist and the client select music together, while playlists are negotiated, and invited homework included.

Music Therapy with Active-Duty Service Members: Group Protocol Description and Secondary Analysis of Protocol Evaluations

AbstractBased on the growing need for music therapy programming at military treatment facilities and clinics that specialize in the rehabilitation of service members, this article describes a music therapy group protocol and the findings of 201 post-session evaluations. In addition, we present clinical perspectives and recommendations from three music therapists who have facilitated this group protocol on four military bases across the United States. The group session outlined in the protocol is intended as an introduction to music therapy. It familiarizes service members to various music therapy experiences specifically structured to enhance feelings of safety during emotional risk-taking. In addition, the protocol functions as an initial assessment of service members’ responses to the various receptive and interactive music experiences and includes psychoeducation regarding the role of music therapy in an interdisciplinary treatment model. The post-session evaluation data suggest that service members endorsed this introductory group as moderately to very helpful. Perceived benefits included the opportunity to express various emotions and increased awareness of somatic responses through music. A large number of requests for continued music therapy services following the introductory session suggest that the protocol is successful in facilitating understanding in service members regarding the potential benefits of music therapy in interdisciplinary treatment. Feedback from the music therapists indicated that the group protocol is a helpful initial experience for service members to acclimate to music therapy and for music therapists to learn about their patients’ specific needs to inform subsequent treatment.

Academic and Cultural Adjustment Among Asian Students in Graduate Music Therapy Programs

Abstract Institute of International Education (Open doors report on international educational exchange: International student enrollment trends, 1948/49–2017/18) data indicated that during the 2017–2018 academic year, 1,094,792 international students were studying at a college or university in the United States, of which 62% came from Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Recognizing the importance of a diverse student body, universities have developed programs to assist international students in adapting to the U.S. culture and education system. Music therapy programs, particularly at the graduate level, continue to attract students from Asian countries, although the exact number of students is unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the extent to which music therapy programs provide support for Asian international students, or how Asian international students themselves adjust to, and experience, the first few years of their academic training. Within this context, the purpose of this study was to interview Asian international students studying in graduate music therapy programs in order to understand their experiences during their first 3 years in the United States, particularly the cultural and educational challenges they encountered. Six students and five new professionals were interviewed, with interview transcripts analyzed using methods consistent with qualitative content analysis. Results indicated that almost all the Asian international students interviewed experienced challenges associated with cultural and academic adjustment. Recommendations for students and educators suggest ways to support Asian students as they adapt and integrate into U.S. cultural and academic environments.

Buy that instrument: Graduating music therapists equip their imaginary music therapy room – theoretical and practical implications

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Frequently, graduating music therapists face the challenge of buying instruments to equip a music therapy room. With the constraints of a basic budget, critical decisions are inevitable, thus revealing underlying perceptions of what is perceived as less and more important in music therapy. The objective of the study was to find the main instrument choices of graduating music therapists and more specifically to see whether these are related to target clientele, to the therapist’s gender, to musical background, and/or to cultural/national background.Method: 41 graduating students were required to spend a virtual budget of 2000 Euros (≅ 2200 US dollars), to equip an imaginary music therapy room for a clientele of their choice. Spending patterns were compared according to target clientele, gender, musical orientation, and cultural/national background.Results: The most frequently chosen instruments were guitar and drums. No differences in spending patterns were found in relation to target clientele, gender, and musical orientation. Some differences were found in relation to cultural/national background, and more specifically, to the music therapy program in which participants were trained.Discussion: It seems that music therapy programs might have an overriding influence on students’ approach to instruments and their possible functions in music therapy.

Perspectives on musical competence for people with borderline personality disorder in group music therapy

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This paper explores perspectives on musical competence for seven people with borderline personality disorder participating in an 8-week music therapy program using group improvisation.Method: This qualitative study used an emergent design, informed by a pragmatic methodological stance, concerned with understanding how music making contributed to therapeutic process in practice. All clinical sessions were video recorded and analysed, beginning with detailed description of music making, followed by transcription of discussion and concluding with interpretation. The participants’ orientation towards musical competencies emerged as the study focus during the analysis.Results: Analysis revealed changing thoughts and feelings related to musical competence were relevant to the participants’ therapeutic process. Five perspectives on musical competence including “musical structure in improvisation”, “musical language competencies”, “musical interaction competencies”, “knowledge and experience of group improvisation” and “changes in feeling states that accompany group improvisation” describe changes in capacity and intra-psychological processes.Discussion: Participants’ perceived changes in musical competence appear to have facilitated relational insights and learning from which they derived therapeutic benefits. There are common competencies between musical competence and relational competence yet participants in this study were primarily oriented towards musical competence. As participants’ musical competencies expanded, emotionality decreased, and a healthier self-concept emerged.

Effect of Korean folk music intervention on schizophrenia inpatients' emotional behavior and interpersonal relationship functioning

Schizophrenia can lead to inappropriate emotional behavior and issues with interpersonal relationship functioning as it becomes chronic. This study aimed to determine the effects of a Korean folk music therapy program on the emotional behavior and interpersonal relationship functioning of patients with schizophrenia. Twenty inpatients with schizophrenia in a psychiatric ward in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province were included in the experimental group, and 24 in the control group. The experimental group participated in a 15-session music therapy program, with two 50-minute sessions per week. For hypothesis testing, Wilks' Lambda based on sphericity testing was used to perform repeated measures ANOVA. The experimental group showed statistically significantly higher levels of emotional behavior (F = 5.814, p < .020) and interpersonal relationship functioning (F = 21.72, p < .001) than the control group, indicating that the Korean folk music therapy program was an effective intervention.

Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a vocal music therapy (VMT) program on chronic pain management.Design: A mixed methods intervention design was used in which qualitative data were embedded within a randomized controlled trial.Setting: An urban nurse-management health center on the East Coast of the United States.Subjects: Participants (N = 43) were predominantly Black (79%) and female (76.7%) with an average pain duration of 10 years.Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated to a 12-week VMT program or a waitlist control.Outcome measures: We tracked consent rate (percentage of participants enrolled out of total number screened), attrition rate, and treatment adherence. We used PROMIS® (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) tools to measure pain interference, pain-related self-efficacy, pain intensity, depression, anxiety, positive effect, and well-being, ability to participate in social activities, and satisfaction with social roles at baseline and week 12. VMT participants also completed the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. We conducted semistructured interviews to better understand participants' experience of the intervention.Results: The consent rate was 56%. The attrition rate was 23%. Large treatment effects (partial eta squared) were obtained for self-efficacy (0.20), depression (0.26), and ability to participate in social activities (0.24). Medium effects were found for pain intensity (0.10), anxiety (0.06), positive effect, and well-being (0.06), and small effects for pain interference (0.03) and satisfaction with social roles (0.03). On average, participants felt moderately better after completion of the VMT program (M = 4.93, standard deviation = 1.98). Qualitative findings suggest that VMT resulted in better self-management of pain, enhanced psychological well-being, and stronger social and spiritual connections.Conclusions: Recruitment into the 12-week program was challenging, but quantitative and qualitative findings suggest significant benefits of VMT for chronic pain management.

An Investigation of a Classroom-Based Specialized Music Therapy Model for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Voices Together Using the VOICSS™Method

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have marked deficits in social communication skills, which can challenge their ability to participate in academic and social activities. Music therapy is a popular intervention for children with ASD, and although research evidence supporting its effectiveness is growing, methodological flaws limit interpretation. The present study proposes a new measure, the DUACS, to assess outcomes associated with a group music therapy program, Voices Together. Participants were 64 elementary students from nine self-contained autism classrooms who attended 16 weekly intervention sessions. Teacher-reported behavior questionnaires and direct student behavioral measures were administered at baseline, during, and after treatment. Increases in communication and social skills suggested program effectiveness, particularly among students with higher baseline skills. Further investigation of this program approach will help to better understand its mechanisms and for whom it works best.

Effects of music therapy on occupational stress and burn-out risk of operating room staff

ABSTRACT The operating theatre staff is exposed to various constraints such as excessive working hours, severe medical conditions and dreadful consequences in case of malpractice. These working conditions may lead to high and chronic levels of stress, which can interfere with medical staff well-being and patients quality of care. The aim of this study is toassess the impact of music therapy on stress levels and burnout risk on the operating room staff. This is a pre-experimental study including the operating rooms staff of urology and maxillofacial surgery in the academic hospital of Sahloul Sousse (Tunisia) over a period of six weeks. The study consisted of three phases. The first was an initial assessment of stress level with a predefined survey. The second included three music therapy sessions per day over one month. The third was an immediate stress level reassessment following the intervention. Stress levels were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale version PSS-10 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The overall response rate was 73.9%.The average age of the study population was 37.8 ± 7.7 years with a female predominance (64.7%). After the music therapy program, Perceived Stress Scale average score decreased from 22 ± 8.9 to 16 ± 7.9 (p = 0.006). Concerning the burnout, only the average score of emotional exhaustion decreased significantly from 27 ± 10.8 to 19.2 ± 9.5 (p = 0.004). Music therapy is an innovative approach that seems to reduce operating theatre staff stress. It must be considered as a non pharmacological, simple, economic and non invasive preventive tool.

Comparison of Awareness Between Mothers and Teachers on the Effects of the Orff Music Therapy Program on the Challenging Behaviors and Social Interaction Skills of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Comparison of Awareness Between Mothers and Teachers on the Effects of the Orff Music Therapy Program on the Challenging Behaviors and Social Interaction Skills of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders