Improvisational music therapy and the rehabilitation of persons suffering from chronic schizophrenia

Author(s): Trevarthen, C., Duncan, J.

Journal/Book: J Music Therapy. 1994; 31: 505 11TH St Se, Washington, DC 20003. Natl Assn Music Ther Inc. 86-104.

Abstract: Persons suffering from chronic schizophrenia characteristically show signs of social withdrawal and emotional flattening. Music therapy, which makes use of spontaneous musical Improvisation to establish a nonverbal interaction between therapist and Person, encourages persons to develop their interactive capacities. \this study shows that patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia who attended a series of individual music therapy sessions improved in their clinical status and in their level of musical interaction with the therapist. The results suggest that music therapy can play a role in the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenics. ABSTRACT 2: Explored whether improvisational music therapy can play a significant role in the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenic patients. 21 treatment patients (mean age 37.8 yrs) suffering from schizophrenia and 20 controls (mean age 38.7 yrs) attended a series of 10 weekly, individual music therapy sessions. The Music Interaction Rating for Schizophrenia was used to take into account what appeared to be peculiarities of the chronic schizophrenic state. Schizophrenic Ss improved in their clinical status and in their level of musical interaction with the therapist compared to control Ss. Results suggest that, in addition to improving patients' quality of life, regular, individual music therapy invites, encourages, and supports the development of an intimate, nonverbal interaction and enhances the quality of patients' communicative skills.

Note: Article M Pavlicevic, Nordoff Robbins Mus Therapy Ctr, London NW5 1PP, England or: PO Box 66313, Broadway 2020, Johannesburg, South Africa

Keyword(s): Schizophrenia ; music therapy; adulthood; improvisational music therapy; chronic schizophrenic patients; England

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