MUSIKTHERAPIE

Abstract

Various psychophysiological parameters were measured during music therapy. Vegetative changes were more pronounced when subjects played music than when they only listened to it. Most changes were directly related to the degree of emotional dedication to the music played; music exceeding 65 phon loudness led to vegetative changes unrelated to psychological attitudes to a particular piece. Surprising changes were noted in some patients (e.g. schizophrenics) playing music in groups. Different organs were affected by varied music according to individual vegetative reaction patterns. Pulse and respiratory rates were influenced by music or even by pure rhythm. Music was perceived as such (without 'translation') by sleeping subjects. Aims of music therapy are precipitation and activation of emotional processes, enhancement and formation of communication patterns, regulation of psychovegetative abnormalities, rediscovery and deepening of aesthetic experiences. It is an additional treatment tool that can be used with balanced optimism.