Resources & references

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression.

Read a study evaluating the impact of group music therapy sessions among patients undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers. Results showed reduced anxiety and stress, improved wellbeing for both patients and caregivers, and fewer chemotherapy-related side effects in patients.

Read a systematic review exploring the effects of music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy, on psychological and psychatirc outcomes in adults patients with traumatic brain injuries. Results suggest that MBIs may have a positive effect on these symptoms in this population, however, future research is needed.

This study explored how vibroacoustic therapy and active music therapy can be integrated to help individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). It investigated participants’ experiences in treatment and enhancing manage symptoms.

This research article investigates how music therapy can improve rehabilitation among individuals with physical impairments, neurological conditions, and developmental diagnoses. The study reviews existing literature and demonstrates that music therapy is effective in improving physiological, psychological, cognitive. and emotional functioning among patients.

This article provides a rationale as to why musical interaction supported by a qualified music therapist can offer a potential pathway for improved attachment between the parent and infant. Two strong trends are revealed: the international breadth of the developing work by music therapists within family-centred contexts of practice, especially work with infants and their parents in the early years; and the use of theoretical principles of communicative musicality (Malloch & Trevarthen, 2008) combined with knowledge of early musical skills.

This article is available in French full-text translation.

The aim of this study was to learn how music therapy sessions, held prior to the death of a loved one, impact spirituality in surviving caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Pre-loss music therapy can potentially assist caregivers during times of bereavement, as they retain memories of joy and empowerment, rather than memories of pain and distress, and find meaning through transcendence.

Read a bibliometric analysis of global music therapy research from 2000 to 2019. Results indicate that the overall trend in research is positive, and that the United States is leading in published studies.

This study investigated how a drumming experience influences students’ aggression and narrative experience as related to school violence. Participants were 15- to 16-year-old students from two classes in a men’s high school in a Southeastern city in Korea. The qualitative data indicated that group drumming may enhance self-esteem, assertiveness, emotional expression, anger management skills, cooperation, feelings of unity, empathy, and active listening skills.

The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and analyze the existent music therapy literature addressing psychosocial needs of informal caregivers. Three categories were developed to sort and synthesize the literature including articles with interventions targeting joint informal caregiver (ICV) and care receiver (CR) participation, ICG specific participation, and CR specific participation. Most studies utilized an experimental design and incorporated a variety of active music therapy techniques in a group format or songwriting.

This study reviews research on rhythmic auditory stimulation, a neurologic music therapy technique that enhances gait in individuals recovering from stroke or living with Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions.

This research article studies the effects of music therapy for patients with a terminal illness who are receiving end-of-life care within a family context. It studies the impact that music therapy can have on patients' immune system, quality of life, quality of sleep, and anxiety and depression levels.