Abstract
This research addressed the efficacy and effectiveness of music therapy for
children and adolescents with mental disorders. Findings from previous experimental
research, as summarised in a meta-analysis, suggest that music therapy is an efficacious
treatment with a medium to large effect size. However, little is known about its
effectiveness in clinical settings and about factors that might influence its effectiveness.
A controlled quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used to assess the
development in children and adolescents who received on average 23 weekly sessions
of music therapy (n = 75) in comparison to others who were waiting or had been
recommended for therapy (n = 61). Primary diagnoses included adjustment disorders
and emotional disorders (27%), behavioural disorders (26%), and developmental
disorders (46%). Outcomes were measured with standardised instruments for
symptoms, competencies (Child Behaviour Checklist), and quality of life (Munich
health-related quality of life questionnaire KINDL), and other questionnaires.
The results of an overall ANOVA showed no significant treatment effects,
although effect sizes for quality of life were in the small to medium range. Further
ANOVAs addressing clinical sub-groups suggested that the effectiveness of music
therapy depends on the presence of comorbid medical conditions (p < .01) and on the
frequent use of media and activities other than music and verbal reflection in music
therapy (p < .01). Other influences included age, primary diagnosis, therapist's gender,
experience and training, and number of music therapy sessions. The results suggest that
music therapy is effective for clients without comorbid medical conditions, and more
effective when other media and activities are not included on a regular basis.
children and adolescents with mental disorders. Findings from previous experimental
research, as summarised in a meta-analysis, suggest that music therapy is an efficacious
treatment with a medium to large effect size. However, little is known about its
effectiveness in clinical settings and about factors that might influence its effectiveness.
A controlled quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used to assess the
development in children and adolescents who received on average 23 weekly sessions
of music therapy (n = 75) in comparison to others who were waiting or had been
recommended for therapy (n = 61). Primary diagnoses included adjustment disorders
and emotional disorders (27%), behavioural disorders (26%), and developmental
disorders (46%). Outcomes were measured with standardised instruments for
symptoms, competencies (Child Behaviour Checklist), and quality of life (Munich
health-related quality of life questionnaire KINDL), and other questionnaires.
The results of an overall ANOVA showed no significant treatment effects,
although effect sizes for quality of life were in the small to medium range. Further
ANOVAs addressing clinical sub-groups suggested that the effectiveness of music
therapy depends on the presence of comorbid medical conditions (p < .01) and on the
frequent use of media and activities other than music and verbal reflection in music
therapy (p < .01). Other influences included age, primary diagnosis, therapist's gender,
experience and training, and number of music therapy sessions. The results suggest that
music therapy is effective for clients without comorbid medical conditions, and more
effective when other media and activities are not included on a regular basis.
| Original language | Danish |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |