Music therapy, a description of process - engagement and avoidance in 5 people with learning disabilities

Author(s): Coleman, S. Y.

Journal/Book: J Intellect Disabil Res. 1994; 38: Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EL, United Kingdom. Blackwell Scientific Publ Ltd. 433-444.

Abstract: changes in engagement in therapy & therapeutic relationship; learning disabled 6 46 yr olds in music therapy --------------------------------------- Described changes in level of engagement in therapy and in the therapeutic relationship among 5 people (aged 6-46 yrs) with learning disabilities (including autism and developmental retardation) participating in music therapy. Independent observers' perceptions of change in Ss over 30 therapeutic sessions were evaluated. A significant increase in levels of engagement over time was found. Although a relationship was found between range of levels of engagement and the size of Ss' overall change, degree of change over time was not related to mean level of engagement. Results suggest that music therapy can provide a therapeutic structure for a changing and developing relationship that emphasizes interpersonal communication. ABSTRACT 2: A number of approaches exist within the field of music therapy. Some models for evaluating the efficacy of therapy have been adopted in the UK in recent years. These have measured the occurrence of specific behaviours within therapy, or compared music therapy with other interventions. There is a need to find reasonably reliable methods of describing change and the therapeutic process occurring within music therapy. This paper describes change occurring in five people with learning disabilities, in terms of their levels of engagement in therapy and in the therapeutic relationship. A method is provided to evaluate independent observers' perceptions of change in the patients over a 30-session period of therapy. A significant increase in levels of engagement over time was found. It was also found that the degree of change over time was not related to the mean level of engagement. The present authors discuss some subtle factors involved in therapeutic engagement for the five patients in the study, and stress the importance of a therapy which emphasizes the dynamics of interpersonal communication for people with limited opportunities to express thoughts and emotions.

Note: Article PG Toolan, Prudhoe Hosp, Dept Mus & Art Therapies, Northumberland NE42 5NT, England

Keyword(s): Therapeutic processes; learning disabilities; music therapy; school age children; childhood ; adolescence ; adulthood;. Adult. Attention. Autism, Infantile/psychology/therapy. Case Report. Child. Communication. Education of Mentally Retarded. Emotions. Female. Human. Male. Mental Retardation/psychology/therapy. Middle Age. Music Therapy/methods. Professional-Patient Relations. Social Behavior. Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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