A musical assessment of psychiatric states in adults

Author(s): Trevarthen, Colwyn

Journal/Book: Psychopathology. 1989; 22: 325-334.

Abstract: In music therapy, joint musical improvisation of the therapist and the patient can provide a framework for spontaneous and intimate nonverbal interaction. This musical interaction was examined in 1st music therapy sessions using a model of analysis that included a specially developed Index of Musical Experience and a Music Improvisation Rating scale. A comparison of 15 schizophrenics, 15 depressives, and 15 clinically normal controls (aged 17-55 yrs) revealed significant differences in the Ss' capacity for musical contact with another person, the nature of this contact and how well it is sustained, and the ability to take musical initiatives. The findings, which take into account Ss' musical background and perceptual functioning, have diagnostic implications for the use of music therapy in adult psychiatry.

Note: nonverbal interaction in music therapy; schizophrenic vs depressed 17 55 yr olds

Keyword(s): Music therapy; nonverbal communication; psychotherapeutic processes; schizophrenia ; major depression; adolescence ; adulthood

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