The effect of music on the self-esteem of mentally retarded adults

Abstract: This study was initiated to determine the effect of music on the self-esteem of mentally retarded persons. Seven men residing in a large state school were the subjects and were divided into two groups: three in the treatment group and four in the no contact group. All subjects were administered an adapted Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory and a modified Draw a Figure Activity. These two self-reports were conducted as pre- and posttests. Two dorm personnel completed the Coopersmith Behavior Rating Form for all subjects. Members of the treatment group met on five consecutive days for forty-five minute sessions during which activities in singing, playing instruments, and movement were presented. All music included the subjects' names and song textx expressed positive statements concerning the worth and ability of the individual. Data from self-reports (SEI) and other-reports (BRF) were compared. The figure drawings were rated independently on Hands, Affect and Likeability. Pre- and posttest inter-rater agreement was compared for each subject. No significant changes were noted between pre- and posttest SEI. When compared individually to the mean percentage of the dorm raters, significant difference was noted, indicating that the subjects' responses to the self-report did not correlate with the observable behavior as rated by the staff. Questions were raised concerning the suitability of the instruments used and the brevity of the study.

Keyword(s): Self-esteem, mental-retardation, adult, movement, playing-instruments, Coopersmith-self-esteem-inventory.

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