Reopening the Conversation Between Music Psychology and Music Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Emily Carlson ◽  
Ian Cross
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Analysis Of Results ◽  
Common Interests

Although the fields of music psychology and music therapy share many common interests, research collaboration between the two fields is still somewhat rare. Previous work has identified that disciplinary identities and attitudes towards those in other disciplines are challenges to effective interdisciplinary research. The current study explores such attitudes in music therapy and music psychology. A sample of 123 music therapists and music psychologists answered an online survey regarding their attitudes towards potential interdisciplinary work between the two fields. Analysis of results suggested that participants’ judgements of the attitudes of members of the other discipline were not always accurate. Music therapists indicated a high degree of interest in interdisciplinary research, although in free text answers, both music psychologists and music therapists frequently characterized music therapists as disinterested in science. Music therapists reported seeing significantly greater relevance of music psychology to their own work than did music psychologists of music therapists. Participants’ attitudes were modestly related to their reported personality traits and held values. Results overall indicated interest in, and positive expectations of, interdisciplinary attitudes in both groups, and should be explored in future research.

A Descriptive Analysis of Music Therapy Employment from 2013 to 2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon Oden
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
American Music ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Therapy Services

Abstract The purpose of this study was to descriptively analyze music therapy employment data from 2013 to 2019, including years in the field, gender, age, ethnicity, hours worked, jobs created, number of new board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs), funding sources, and wages. A database was created to analyze descriptive data from the 2013–2019 American Music Therapy Association Workforce Analysis Surveys as well as data from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Results indicate a large portion of music therapists (MTs) have been in the field for five years or less. Though the majority of MTs work full time, there is a high rate of part-time employment. An estimate of the total number of new full-time jobs represented a ratio of 57% of new MT-BCs during the period. Private pay was the most reported funding source for music therapy services. Music therapy wages tended to be higher for those with higher levels of education. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are provided.

Safeguarding Curricular Self-Experiences in Undergraduate Music Therapy Education and Training

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Hiller ◽  
Courtney Belt ◽  
Susan Gardstrom ◽  
Joy Willenbrink-Conte
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Psychological Safety ◽  
American Music ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Therapy Education

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to put forth a model to support the psychological safety of undergraduate students as they engage in a form of experiential learning called self-experiences (SEs). SEs pair active engagement in learning episodes with learner self-inquiry. The need to safeguard curricular SEs is grounded in the American Music Therapy Association’s Professional Competencies and Code of Ethics and the Certification Board for Music Therapists’ Board Certification Domains. We first explicate several types and benefits of SEs and identify potential risks and contraindications that may compromise learners’ psychological safety and even cause harm. Next, we describe the steps we took in developing the model and gaining administrative approval. We outline major tenets and describe specific safeguarding practices at various levels of implementation. We offer a hypothetical vignette to contextualize the information, address certain challenges in implementing this model, and offer recommendations for future research related to undergraduate experiential learning. Educators, clinical trainers, and supervisors who employ SEs are encouraged to implement safeguards toward upholding professional ethics and supporting learners’ personal and professional development.

Handbook of Music, Adolescents, and Wellbeing

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Music And Identity

The Handbook of Music, Adolescents, and Wellbeing explores how young people use music to work with emotions, identity construction, and connectedness, drawing on perspectives from music therapy, music psychology, music education, and music sociology. Authors provide examples of how theory and research is applied in the practice of music therapists working with groups of adolescents and individuals in schools, communities, hospitals, and other institutions. Research into music and emotions is synthesized, and theories about music and identity construction are provided. The ways that young people use music for connections is explored with a particular emphasis on technology, as well as traditional face-to-face connectedness. The Handbook is written for those interested in promoting adolescent wellbeing using music.

scholarly journals Music Therapy Interventions for Stress Reduction in Adults With Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Perspectives From Clinical Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina de Witte ◽  
Esther Lindelauf ◽  
Xavier Moonen ◽  
Geert-Jan Stams ◽  
Susan van Hooren
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Therapeutic Goals ◽  
Therapy Goals ◽  
Therapy Interventions

Stress is increasingly being recognized as one of the main factors that is negatively affecting our health, and therefore there is a need to regulate daily stress and prevent long-term stress. This need seems particularly important for adults with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) who have been shown to have more difficulties coping with stress than adults without intellectual disabilities. Hence, the development of music therapy interventions for stress reduction, particularly within populations where needs may be greater, is becoming increasingly important. In order to gain more insight into the practice-based knowledge on how music therapists lower stress levels of their patients with MID during music therapy sessions, we conducted focus group interviews with music therapists working with adults with MID (N = 13) from different countries and clinical institutions in Europe. Results provide an overview of the most-used interventions for stress reduction within and outside of music. Data-analysis resulted in the further specification of therapeutic goals, intervention techniques, the use of musical instruments, and related therapeutic change factors. The main findings indicate that music therapists used little to no receptive (e.g., music listening) interventions for stress reduction, but preferred to use active interventions, which were mainly based on musical improvisation. Results show that three therapy goals for stress relief could be distinguished. The goal of “synchronizing” can be seen as a sub goal because it often precedes working on the other two goals of “tension release” or “direct relaxation,” which can also be seen as two ways of reaching stress reduction in adults with MID through music therapy interventions. Furthermore, the tempo and the dynamics of the music are considered as the most important musical components to reduce stress in adults with MID. Practical implications for stress-reducing music therapy interventions for adults with MID are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.

Expectancy Theory of Motivation and Substance Use Treatment: Implications for Music Therapy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshall Yoes ◽  
Michael J Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Expectancy Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Theory Of Motivation ◽  
Expectancy Theory Of Motivation

Abstract The existing literature indicates that motivation is an important predictor of treatment outcome for people with substance use disorders (SUD). Although researchers have found that music therapy can positively impact motivation for people with SUD, the music therapy and SUD literature base lack a theoretical understanding of motivation. Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation (ETM) is an established theoretical framework positing that motivation depends on three relationships: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. These relationships consist of four variables: effort, performance, reward, and preference. Based on these four variables, motivation depends on the expectation that an increase in effort will lead to improved performance, thus leading to a reward aligned with an individual’s preferences. The purpose of this paper is to apply Vroom’s ETM to music therapy and SUD clinical practice and research. We reviewed the existing literature addressing Vroom’s ETM within SUD treatment and created a model to depict how to apply Vroom’s ETM to music therapy clinical practice for people with SUD. Application of Vroom’s ETM may help music therapists understand and augment motivation for people with SUD, potentially leading to relapse prevention and recovery. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

A Preliminary Overview of Music Therapy Reimbursement Practice in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Sena Moore ◽  
Laurie Peebles
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
The United States ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Therapy Services

Abstract Music therapy services are currently being reimbursed through state and private insurance funding streams, yet to date, there is no known systematic exploration on music therapy reimbursement practices. Such information would be helpful to include when communicating with third-party payers and can assist in tracking reimbursement trends. Thus, we sought to provide baseline information on how music therapy services are currently being reimbursed in the United States, with a focus on approved treatment parameters, referral sources, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used, and types of music interventions and music therapy experiences implemented. Board-certified music therapists in private practice who had successfully obtained reimbursement for music therapy services between 2012 and 2018 completed a 28-item online survey. In total, 7 respondents provided information on 55 unique reimbursement cases from 5 different states, most of which were based on Medicaid waiver programs. We conducted descriptive analyses to summarize music therapy reimbursement practices. Most of the clients were referred by doctors or physician’s assistants. The most common CPT code utilized was 97530 (Therapeutic Activities, one-on-one, each 15 minutes), and most of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic codes were based on specific diagnoses rather than general clinical needs. In most of the cases, reimbursement of music therapy was ongoing, and services incorporated a variety of music therapy methods, with few specific music interventions identified. Most notably, reimbursement practice varied by state; thus, we recommend the creation and dissemination of state-specific surveys.

scholarly journals People with Parkinson’s Disease: What Symptoms Do They Most Want to Improve and How Does This Change with Disease Duration?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Port ◽  
Martin Rumsby ◽  
Graham Brown ◽  
Ian F. Harrison ◽  
Anneesa Amjad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Motor Symptoms ◽  
Walking Balance ◽  
Non Motor Symptoms

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition with a diverse and complex pattern of motor and non-motor symptoms which change over time with disease duration. Objective: The aims of the present study were to discover what symptoms matter most to people with the condition and to examine how these priorities change with disease duration. Methods: A simple free-text online survey (using SmartSurvey) was developed by Parkinson’s UK, which asked participants to identify up to three aspects of the condition they would most like to see improvement in. Results: 790 people participated reporting 2,295 issues related to PD which were grouped into 24 broad symptom domains. Of these, 1,358 (59.1%) were categorised as motor symptoms, 859 (37.4%) as non-motor issues and 78 (3.4%) as medication problems. This study reveals how certain features of PD become more or less important to patients as the condition progresses. Non-motor symptoms were highly cited from the very earliest stages of PD. Problems with walking, balance and falls, speech problems, freezing and dyskinesia become increasingly important as the condition progresses whereas tremor, stiffness and psychological health become decreasingly important as the condition progresses. Conclusions: The data suggest that the priorities of people affected by PD for improving life are personal and change with duration of the condition. These findings have implications for developing person-centred management and care, as well as for directing future research to improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Microdosing as a response to the meaning crisis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rotem Petranker ◽  
Juensung Kim ◽  
Thomas Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Optimal Dosing ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Future Research Directions

Background: The use of psychedelic substances like LSD and magic mushrooms in research and to treat mental health conditions has been increasing in the last decade. In particular, the practice of microdosing – using sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics – has been increasing (Anderson et al., 2019), but large-scale systemic qualitative analyses are still scant.Aims: This study attempted to recognize emergent themes in qualitative reports regarding the experience of microdosing so as to enrich the theoretical landscape in psychedelics research and propose future research directions for both basic and clinical research.Methods: This study used qualitative analysis to analyze free-text responses from individuals who participated in an online survey disseminated on various social media platforms. Participants had reported microdosing at least once in the past year.Results: Data from 118 informative responses suggested four main emergent themes: reasons for microdosing, the practice of microdosing, outcomes linked to microdosing, and meta-commentary about microdosing. Participants mostly reported microdosing for clinical reasons and to improve productivity, and mentioned that the practice is often challenging due to unknown optimal dosing regimen. The outcomes of microdosing varied widely between strong endorsement of the practice and disappointment at the lack of effect. Meta-commentary included warning against overexcitement with the practice. We couch our findings in meaning-making theory and propose that, even at low doses, psychedelic substances can provide a sense of meaning currently lacking in Western culture.Conclusion: Our results suggest that there many of the reported benefits occur regardless of motivation to microdose and are likely due to the enhanced psychological flexibility and sense of connectedness made possible due to the use of psychedelics. Double-blind, placebo controlled experiments are required in order to substantiate these reports.

scholarly journals Music therapy for preterm infants and their parents: A path forward for research in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-150
Author(s):  
Łucja Bieleninik ◽  
Claire M. Ghetti
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Experimental Research ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neonatal Health ◽  
Music Therapists

Music therapy has been internationally recognized as a health-promoting profession since the end of World War II, and music therapists have been conducting research in neonatal intensive care since the 1990s. Music therapy professional training was established in Poland in 1973 at the Music Academy in Wrocław, and Polish music therapists have recently begun to seek specialization to work within neonatal intensive care. The commencement of the multi-site international randomized controlled trial LongSTEP, Longitudinal Study of music Therapy’s Effectiveness for Premature infants and their caregivers, has provided the impetus for Polish music therapists to begin offering music therapy services in neonatal intensive care. Thus, engagement in research marks the critical first step in the development of music therapy in neonatal care in Poland. This perspective article examines the current state of experimental research on music therapy in neonatal care and explores its implications for future research in Poland by (1) presenting the clinical aspects of prematurity; (2) summarizing experimental research on music therapy in neonatal intensive care; (3) identifying gaps in the related evidence base; (4) discussing recent developments in international music therapy research; (5) contextualizing music therapy in the Polish neonatal health care system; (6) presenting advanced training in neonatal music therapy, and (7) discussing how culturally relevant aspects of neonatal settings in Poland might impact future research. There is preliminary evidence that music therapy plays a beneficial role for preterm infants and their primary caregivers during the neonatal period; however, research examining long-term impacts and longer-term intervention is needed. Researchers in Poland are poised to make a significant contribution to the international evidence base related to music therapy in neonatal care, and further exploration of particular facets of the Polish neonatal health care system that will impact the delivery of music therapy is warranted.

scholarly journals MUSIC THERAPY IN RETT SYNDROME CASES

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Vita Andziule ◽  
Vilmante Aleksiene ◽  
Sigita Lesinskiene
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Rett Syndrome ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Hand Functions ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Rett’S Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a rare (0,01%) genetic disorder affecting girls' development. Individuals with Rett syndrome experience a full range of health problems that severely influence and complicate their mobility, intellect, communication, learning, and entire lifestyle. The treatment of Rett's syndrome is still aimed at investigating new pathways to ensure the best possible patient’s development and quality of life. The distinctive feature of Rett syndrome is the two main sensations with little damage: hearing and vision. Therefore, music therapy plays an exceptional role in the treatment and special education of children with Rett syndrome. The goal of this study is to find the most effective music therapy techniques and their specific indications whilst working with individuals with Rett syndrome. Research method used: music therapists’ online survey conducted internationally. The research suggests that the most effective methods in Rett syndrome cases are structured musical games that promote targeted hands-on movements, as well as listening to the songs and choice of favourite songs using pictures or other symbols. Music therapy can be applied for various health needs of individuals with Rett syndrome, especially to enhance hand functions as well as to improve non-verbal communication and to help individuals experience togetherness and joy.

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