A music therapy evaluation scale and its clinical application to mentally retarded adult patients

Author(s): Plutchik, R., Deutsch, R., Taketomo, Y.

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1973; 10: 64-77.

Abstract: Developed 3 evaluation scales to assess musical aptitudes and social behavior in a mentally retarded and emotionally ill population of patients. The purpose was to quantitatively identify any changes which might occur during the course of a music therapy program administered over a relatively short period of time. 16 adult patients participated in the music therapy program over a period of 3 mo, from an institution for the treatment of, and research with, mentally retarded adult patients with a history of superimposed psychotic phases. The group included 4 women and 12 men, each of whom had been hospitalized for many years. 5 patients could speak to some extent; 11 were essentially nonverbal at the time the unit was opened. 5 patients were unpredictably violent and might act destructively at any time. 3 were Puerto Rican, 4 were black, and the rest were white. 11 patients were epileptic, 2 were considered idiot savants, 1 had Down's Syndrome and 1 patient appeared to be catatonic at the time the ward opened. The degree of retardation ranged from moderate to profound, as determined by the Stanford-Binet or Cattell Infant Intelligence Scale. MA ranged from 1.5-6.9 yrs. Although there were no significant changes as measured by the evaluation scales, there were a number of individuals who showed definite improvement in their social behavior in the music therapy setting.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing Sum music therapy program; assessment of musical aptitude & social behavior; mentally retarded & emotionally ill institutionalized adults

Keyword(s): Emotionally disturbed; music therapy; institutionalized mentally retarded; musical ability; social behavior

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