Music Therapy Teaching for Transfer of Positive Behaviors in the Psychiatric Population

• Other Authors: Riley, James E. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-7578

Little research exists to determine whether group counseling/therapy services impact immediate post-session behavior of psychiatric patients. The objective of this thesis was to research techniques which facilitate transfer of learning for adults with serious mental illness receiving counseling services. Transfer techniques were implemented into music and non-music conditions. Experimental conditions of Music Therapy Songwriting Using Transfer Techniques (MT), Non-Music Discussion Group Using Transfer Techniques (NMT), and General Music Therapy (GMT) groups were compared on male and female psychiatric admissions units. The study wanted to determine if there would be any difference between groups on measures of leisure time behavior and participant perceptions. Behavioral observations were collected 10, 20, and 30 minutes after treatment to quantitatively determine if participants transferred psychoeducational material onto the hospital unit. Results indicate that all participants were generally engaged in positive behavior during leisure time. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA found no significant differences in behavior, although the MT condition evidenced slightly higher means overall and was the only group which continued to improve over time. Post-test self-report surveys examined participants' perceptions. Likert-type scale items were analyzed with separate Kruskal-Wallis tests; no significant differences were discovered. Participant's qualitative written responses suggest that MT was more associated with social/cooperative, positive mood, and general positive statements, whereas NMT was perceived to be more educational. Although results of this pilot study were small, clinicians are highly encouraged to become more familiar with related fields of research in order to adapt evidence-based findings from related professions into their own practice. Results suggest that if clinicians articulate non-musical purpose, goals, outcomes, and effects of music therapy with patients as well as the multidisciplinary team, greater transfer may occur. Limitation, suggestions for further research, and further clinical implications are discussed. Keywords: transfer of learning, transfer techniques, music therapy, psychiatric population === A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. === Spring Semester, 2013. === April 11, 2013. === music therapy, psychiatric population, transfer of learning, transfer techniques === Includes bibliographical references. === Jayne M. Standley, Professor Directing Thesis; Clifford K. Madsen, Committee Member; Diane Gregory, Committee Member; John M. Geringer, Committee Member.