Exploring the self through songwriting: An analysis of songs composed by people with acquired neurodisability in an inpatient rehabilitation program.

AuthorsBaker,F
Tamplin, J
MacDonald, R
Ponsford, J
Rickard, N
Lee, C
TypeJournal Article (Original Research)
JournalJournal of Music Therapy
Year of Publication2017
URLhttp://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/exploring-the-self-through-songwriting(a4f3079c-2230-43cb-bb1f-69fea1a65878)/export.html
DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12890-015-0082-310.1093/jmt/thw018
Download thw018.pdf (286.3 KB)
AbstractBackground: Neurological trauma is associated with significant damage to people's pre-injury self-concept. Therapeutic songwriting has been linked with changes in self-concept and improved psychological well-being. Objective: This study analyzed the lyrics of songs composed by inpatients with neurological injuries who participated in a targeted songwriting program. The aim of this study was to understand which of the subdomains of the self-concept were the most frequently expressed in songs. Methods: An independent, deductive content analysis of 36 songs composed by 12 adults with spinal cord injury or brain injury (11 males, mean age 41 years +/- 13) were undertaken by authors 1 and 2. Results: Deductive analysis indicated that when writing about the past self, people created songs that reflected a strong focus on family and descriptions of their personality. In contrast, there is a clear preoccupation with the physical self, on the personal self, and a tendency for spiritual and moral reflections to emerge during the active phase of rehabilitation (song about the present self). Statistical analyses confirmed a significant self-concept subdomain by song interaction, F(10, 110) = 5.98, p < .001, ηp2 = .35), which was primarily due to an increased focus on physical self-concept and a reduced focus on family self-concept in the present song, more than in either past or future songs. Conclusions: The analysis process confirmed that songwriting is a vehicle that allows for exploration of self-concept in individuals with neurological impairments. Songwriting may serve as a therapeutic tool to target the most prevalent areas of self-concept challenges for clients undergoing inpatient neurological rehabilitation programs

http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872895


< More publications



ARIELARIEL

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a chronic lung condition that causes stiff lungs and restricts sufferers from taking a deep breath. Exercise in a gym, or swimming, walking or riding a bike, can help...

Shift work and breastfeeding projectSHIFT WORK AND BREASTFEEDING PROJECT

Researchers at Austin Health are looking for volunteers to participate in a study exploring the impact shift work has on breast milk composition. Participants will be compensated with a $100 gift voucher.

HEALTHY MALES AND FEMALES WANTED FOR SLEEP STUDYHEALTHY MALES AND FEMALES WANTED FOR SLEEP STUDY

Interested to participate in a study investigating the effect of fatigue on driving performance?

A/Prof Mark Howard Awarded Major Competitive MRFF GrantA/PROF MARK HOWARD AWARDED MAJOR COMPETITIVE MRFF GRANT

IBAS leads project to revolutionize Home Ventilation with $1.2 million grant for Assoc. Prof Mark Howard's research titled "Synchronise non-invasive ventilation at home".

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious Research AwardPROF ANNE HOLLAND RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH AWARD

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious award for Excellent in Research Engagement and Impact from Monash University.

World Sleep Day on 17th March 2023WORLD SLEEP DAY ON 17TH MARCH 2023

The benefits of quality sleep and to acknowledge the issue of sleep problems and their medical, educational, and social aspects as well as the prevention and management of sleep disorders, is promoted on World Sleep Day on the 17th March 2023.

A/Prof Mark Howard is listed in 'the Australian'A/PROF MARK HOWARD IS LISTED IN 'THE AUSTRALIAN'

The Australian's Research magazine names the top researcher and top research institution in each field of research, based on the number of citations for papers published in the top 20 journals in each field over the past five years.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

Email Us

Donate