Music therapy: A behavioral perspective

Journal/Book: Behavior Therapist. 1983; 6: 5-8.

Abstract: Discusses some major directions in the literature on the behavioral effects of music. The application of contingent music and the elimination or interruption of music listening has been successful in increasing appropriate and decreasing inappropriate behaviors in developmentally disabled individuals. The reinforcing value of music has been demonstrated in a variety of studies. There have been several reports of the positive effects of music instruction as reinforcement for other academic behaviors. However, it is noted that music is not universally reinforcing, particularly with profoundly retarded individuals. Music has also functioned as an antecedent stimulus to teach such skills as body concepts, sign language, and basic academics. Language acquisition at various levels has taken place effectively through music therapy. Another function of music is its ability to generate socially appropriate behavior that is incompatible with certain inappropriate behaviors. Clinical musical therapists have used a multi-strategy music model with juvenile delinquents, in public schools, in residential treatment settings, and in the community. Music therapists have also pursued their role in behavioral medicine (e.g., in a pain rehabilitation program and for reduction of preoperative anxiety). (79 ref)

Note: music as reinforcement & behavior modification techniques; music therapy; developmentally disabled & mentally retarded & juvenile delinquents & students & patients; literature review

Keyword(s): Behavior modification; developmental disabilities; music therapy; juvenile delinquents; reinforcement ; students ; interdisciplinary treatment approach; patients ; mentally retarded; literature review

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