The role of music in mental health treatment

Abstract

A review and meta-analysis of music therapy (de Witte, 2019) found an overall beneficial effect on stress-related outcomes. Research suggests that music engagement not only shapes our personal and cultural identities but also plays a role in mood regulation. Moreover, music can be used to help in addressing serious mental health and substance use disorders. Music has been an integral part of human culture for millennia, serving as a medium for expression, communication, and community bonding. In recent decades, the therapeutic potential of music has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of mental health. Music therapy, an evidence-based practice, employs music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This article is aimed at showing the role of music in mental health treatment.