abstract: The bereaved and those who have experienced trauma have received support through music therapy. However, there has been no research on the effectiveness of music therapy as a therapeutic intervention for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. While every loss presents its own challenges, those who experience a suicide loss may need extra support to process the traumatic nature of the death. This study aims to explore the current research on grief and trauma to determine what information can be applied to the care of those who have experienced a suicide loss. The present study is a group case study of survivors of suicide who have experienced a loss within the last 3 years. Participants received weekly music therapy sessions for four weeks. All participants completed the Inventory of Traumatic Grief, prior to and at the conclusion of the music therapy sessions, and the pre and post test scores were compared. Additionally qualitative data was collected throughout the sessions, indicating any common themes that emerged throughout the sessions and the participants’ reactions to the interventions, as well as in a short questionnaire following the four sessions. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Music Therapy 2016

abstract: The concept of multiculturalism in music therapy is becoming increasingly relevant in the United States. The purpose of this thesis was to analyze multicultural content in undergraduate programs approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and evaluate the Multicultural Counseling Competencies, in order to develop an educational tool to foster multicultural competency in undergraduate music therapy students. The research questions addressed in this analysis were: (a) what are the current multicultural education practices for undergraduate music therapy students in the United States, and (b) what aspects of multicultural counseling education can provide a framework for multicultural education in music therapy? Within music therapy education, there seems to be no standardized method of delivering multicultural content. Based on the findings of this content analysis, the author combined content from current multicultural music therapy and multicultural counseling education to develop a lecture series for undergraduate music therapy students. Results included the curricula of 68 AMTA-Approved undergraduate music therapy programs. 327 multiculturally related courses were identified. Coded course categories in order of frequency were ability, age, language, Non-Western music, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, spirituality, sexual orientation, religion, and general culture. These results are consistent with existing publications remarking on the state of multicultural education in music therapy. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Music Therapy 2017

abstract: Music is often used to induce relaxation and encourage calm surroundings, but in a group psychiatric treatment environment creating such a space can be complicated by varying and conflicting music preferences. Although best practices in music therapy encourage use of preferred music in sessions, adolescents’ tastes can be so closely tied with their sense of identity that tension may arise between peers in a group setting. On an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit this issue becomes compounded by additional factors such as inadequate communication skills and difficulties with self-regulation. Although one must be careful not to generalize or romanticize, current literature suggests specific nature sounds may have a calming effect across settings and cultural backgrounds. However, nature sound research done from the music therapy perspective is scarce, and thus evidence-based guidelines for the use of such sounds could prove useful in further exploration of their potential uses in music therapy interventions. This thesis explores the use of nature sounds as a part of music therapy treatment interventions, as well as on the behavioral health adolescent unit during daily routine where environmental sounds can be a problem. If successfully implemented in an acute psychiatric setting with adolescent patients, both during the therapy session and throughout the day, administered by the person receiving treatment and under the guidance of the music therapist, these interventions have the potential to decrease the number and severity of behavioral emergency codes, potentially leading to fewer instances of restraint, as well as more effective functioning after discharge from the inpatient setting. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Music Therapy 2018

abstract: This descriptive research study explored practicing Board-Certified Music Therapists' engagement in self-care as needed from the impact of stress and burnout, as well as perceptions of the music therapy profession and professional association. An online survey was completed by 829 practicing board certified music therapists. Mean scores and percentages of nominal variables were generated from an independent sample. ANOVA was used to compare mean scores of dependent variables with independent variables of two or more categories. Open-ended responses generated extensive qualitative data about stress/burnout, job satisfaction, motivation, and self-care. Those who are not currently members of AMTA reported affordability as the primary reason for not being members. Despite some negative perceptions about the profession and professional association, a significant number of music therapists expressed a passion for what they do. Music therapists appear to have a solid grasp on professional responsibilities and ethics. Although respondents reported an overall high level of job satisfaction, a substantial number agreed that they have considered leaving the profession. Low salary was the most commonly acknowledged reason, followed by the continued need to "sell" music therapy, burnout, stress, limited work opportunities, and workplace politics. Respondents identified healthy diet and rest as primary activities of self-care, followed by recreation/leisure time with loved ones, exercise, hobbies, and prayer. Music therapists reportedly continue to feel motivated and inspired in the profession predominantly because of the gratification/satisfaction of the results of their work, followed by engagement in self-care, loving the work regardless of income, attending conferences and symposiums, diversification among various populations, and keeping professional life separate from personal life. ANOVA results indicated that job satisfaction and engagement in self-care likely increase with age; job satisfaction is higher among married music therapists, those with children, and those with more than 30 years in practice; and those with no children and those with a master's or doctorate degree were more likely to engage in self-care. A variety of implications and recommendations are explored. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.M. Music Therapy 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of participation in music therapy support groups (MTSG) on physical, psychological, and social functioning of cancer patients and caregivers. Participants were 24 cancer patients and 17 caregivers randomly assigned to experimental (n=21) or wait-list control (n=20) groups. The primary dependent variables were mood, coping, social support, and quality of life as measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) and Trait (STAI-T) scales, Personal Resource Questionnaire 85-Part 2 (PRQ85-Part 2), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Form (FACT-G). These measures, completed by all participants at baseline, midpoint, and end of three weeks, assessed the long-term effect (three weeks) of MTSG participation. The Music Therapy Support Group Numerical Rating Scales (MTSG-NRS) evaluated the short-term effect of each 60-minute music therapy session on mood, pain, stress, anxiety, and quality of life. All participants also completed the Music Therapy Support Group Assessment Form (MTSG-AF) beforehand to provide demographic information and music preferences, and the Music Therapy Support Group Evaluation Questionnaire (MTSG-EQ) after participation in music therapy sessions. Experimental participants completed six MTSG sessions over a three-week period; interventions included singing, songwriting, playing instruments, movement with music, creative arts with music, and music-assisted relaxation. The data from the POMS, STAI-S, STAI-T, PRQ85-Part 2, and FACT-G questionnaires were analyzed using five individual repeated measures ANOVA. The MTSG experimental group showed a significant improvement in mood and a significant decrease in anxiety as a result of participation in the music therapy support groups; the control group showed no significant change over time. The MTSG also showed improvement, though non-significant, on social support and quality of life; the control group remained stable on these measures over time. Data from the MTSG-NRS were analyzed using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Analyses revealed that the MTSG achieved significant improvement in mood and significant decrease in stress and anxiety throughout each 60-minute MTSG session. Participation also significantly decreased the perception of pain and significantly improved quality of life in four of six sessions.

The overarching purpose of this study was to explore the thoughts and attitudes of hospice chaplains and music therapists (MTs) related to the questions, "Is it appropriate for music therapists to provide spiritual care as part of the hospice team," "What kind of training and preparation do music therapists and chaplains think hospice music therapists should have before engaging in spiritual care work," and "What should the content be of spiritual care training for music therapists?" The study used a sequential exploratory qualitative/quantitative mixed methods design utilizing parallel purposive subject samples to examine the research questions. The first phase of the study included semi-structured interviews with eight music therapists and seven chaplains specializing in hospice care. These interviews were designed to collect in-depth information about the research questions. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open coding within a grounded theory approach. Thematic analysis revealed the prevalence of the categories of "ethics" and "training." Participants discussed issues related to scope of practice, cultural competence, maintaining personal boundaries, educational content, and educational methods. Analysis of the data information also indicated the need to expand the research questions, which were examined with larger participant samples in the second phase of the study. Phase II of the study included the development and implementation of a survey tool to explore the results of Phase I with a larger group of participants. The following questions were used as the basis for the survey tool: 1) How appropriate do chaplains and music therapists feel it is for music therapists to provide spiritual care as part of the hospice team? 2) What is the scope of practice for music therapists with regards to providing spiritual care as part of the hospice team? 3) How important are specific aspects of cultural competence in providing ethically sound spiritual care to hospice patients? 4) How do music therapists' music selections for addressing spiritual goals reflect culturally competent practice? 5) What are the personal boundaries that should be maintained by music therapists in order to provide ethically sound spiritual care? 6) How do music therapists feel their personal spiritual beliefs influence their interactions with patients? 7) What types of previous spiritual care training do music therapists report completing? 8) What training topics do music therapists and chaplains feel music therapists should study in order to provide competent spiritual care? 9) What types of training methods do music therapists and chaplains think are most appropriate for music therapists wanting to learn more about spiritual care? 10) What, if any, differences exist between chaplains' and music therapists' responses to these research questions? A final sample of music therapists (n=48) and chaplains (n=44) completed the survey. Results indicated that the role of music therapists includes providing spiritual care as part of the hospice team. The spiritual care scope of practice for music therapists identified by survey participants included assisting with spiritual practices, experiencing God or a higher power, assisting with meditative practices, and assisting with guided imagery experiences. According to participants, music therapists should not lead religious rituals or ceremonies, nor should they conduct spiritual assessments. Music therapists felt that all aspects of cultural competence mentioned in the survey were important, especially selecting interventions that are reflective of patients' cultural and spiritual backgrounds. This was also reflected in the ways music therapists wrote about selecting music for use in addressing spiritual goals. Participants identified specific personal boundaries that should be maintained when providing spiritual care, including avoiding pushing one's personal beliefs onto a patient or family. Music therapists expressed a variety of opinions about how their personal beliefs affected their interactions with patients. These varied from "not at all" to "allows me to be open to others." Music therapists and chaplains expressed similarly varied responses to a question about the wearing of religious symbols when providing hospice services. Questions about spiritual care training methods and content revealed that music therapists were more likely to engage in on-the-job learning, or attend continuing education and conference presentations about spiritual care. Music therapists and chaplains also wrote about learning from patients, participating in group feedback sessions, and reading materials about spiritual care as ways to learn about spiritual care provision. Differences were seen between music therapists and chaplains on their understanding of the concept of "spirituality" and "spiritual care." There were also differences between the two groups on questions of the importance of knowing one's own background as a component of cultural competence, as well as the appropriateness of music therapists providing spiritual care/counseling.

Att opereras under lokalanestesi innebär att patienten kan vara vaken under operationen, forskning visar på både positiva och negativa upplevelser av detta. Ångest och oro är påtagligt och att patienterna känner att de tappar kontrollen över situationen. Samtidigt är anestesisjuksköterskans roll viktig för att se och bekräfta patienten. Att låta patienten lyssna på musik kan vara ett verktyg som sjuksköterskan kan ta till, eftersom musik har kunnat minska ångest hos andra patientgrupper. Syftet med denna studie är att utforska upplevelser hos patienter som lyssnar på musik perioperativt i lokalanestesi. Den metod som används är en systematisk litteraturöversikt med en integrativ design. Resultatet baserades på 21 artiklar, varav 18 är kvantitativa och 3 kvalitativa. Studien utmynnar i fem teman; ångest, smärta, välbefinnande, coping och upplevelser utöver musiken. Musik påverkar patienternas ångest och smärta på olika sätt. Ofta lindras ångest och smärta men i flera studier har musiken ingen eller tveksam inverkan. Musiken har även effekter på patienternas välbefinnande och påverkar deras copingstrategi. Studien visar på viktiga upplevelser utöver musiken, där sjuksköterskans betydelse för patienten är framträdande. Musik visas öka patienternas välbefinnande men att sjuksköterskan har kännedom om hur smärtsamt och ångestladdat ett ingrepp är, kan vara angeläget för att inte lägga för stor tilltro till musikens effekt på patienten. Ytterligare forskning krävs för att få en ännu djupare förståelse och beskrivning av patienters upplevelse. Att även belysa olika ingrepps inverkan på patienternas upplevelse av musik, är av vikt.

A mixed-methods approach was utilised in order to explore the impact of group Music Therapy on the negative symptoms of forensic clients with schizophrenia. Eight participants were involved in this exploratory study at Valkenberg hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. The Music Therapy intervention consisted of eight sessions over a period of six weeks. Qualitative data were collected through video footage, with three excerpts being selected for thick descriptions to be written and, subsequent to the process of therapy, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. Quantitative data were generated by structured interviews with the eight participants individually using the PANNS test both before and after the music therapy process. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, while the quantitative data were presented through descriptive statistical analysis, and a paired sample t-test was conducted. Findings suggest that group Music Therapy affords forensic adult clients in a psychiatric hospital who are diagnosed with schizophrenia benefits in relation to their negative symptoms. The themes that emerged through thematic analysis were ‘Holding’, ‘Positive Experiences of Music Therapy’, ‘Togetherness’, ‘Activation’, ’Flexibility’ and ‘Inflexibility’. The quantitative data shows an overall improvement in the negative symptoms. A paired sample t-test calculates this improvement as too small to be statistically significant. However, the overall improvement shown in the quantitative data suggests the possibility that the group Music Therapy intervention may have effected a gradual positive shift over time and this requires further research. Although participants still displayed negative symptoms in their daily life in the ward, music therapy offered an environment in which well-being could be experienced and expressed. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Music / MMus / Unrestricted

This dissertation is a qualitative study of how vocal improvisation within music therapy groups may afford the construction of social resilience for in-patient adolescents in oncology wards. The study was conducted at the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. The case study involved six daily group music therapy sessions, with four to eight participants. The primary music therapy technique was vocal improvisation to assess how the participants perform themselves as resilient (or not). Excerpts of video recordings were analyzed through Gee’s (2005) suggestion for discourse analysis. Session notes were written as an additional data source to contextualize the excerpts. Through discourse analysis, four primary discourses were identified: participant as patient, participant as adolescent, cultural adolescent, and participant as Hip-hop musician. These enabled the participants to explore their performance of selves in various ways. It was concluded that vocal improvisation in group music therapy enabled the expression of lack of resilience, as it received those feeling less resilient and provided them with safety and containment. It also offered the participants a means of instant coping within the various discourses that were identified. Vocal improvisation in this context also afforded the participants a space to adapt to their challenges as they explored various types of participation by learning from past experiences/ways of being, and adjust accordingly. Finally, the participants could transform through the changing relationships within the group itself, and how these social changes offered a social environment that afforded the resilience of the whole group. / Mini Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Music / MMus (Music Therapy) / Unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Curriculum Studies / MEd / Unrestricted