The Relationship Between Musical and Activity Elements of Music Therapy Sessions and Client Responses: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Studied the influence of music selection, mode of presentation, and music therapy activity on the response of 2 groups of alcoholics with 5 to 18 members and a group of 5 drug addicts. 16 music therapy trainees participated in the 2 music therapy training groups. Therapists provided information on their activities during each group session, and session components were classified and tallied by number of occurrences. Client responses to each session were rated for involvement, enjoyment, intensity of elicited feeling, and tension level. Art and music increased the Ss' involvement and intensity of feelings, while moving to music decreased enjoyment and increased tension levels. The quantity of feelings elicited was greater when discussion was included, involvement was greater when rhythm instruments were used, and the tension level was lower when classical music was used. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)