Music Therapy | EssayIvy.com

Running head: MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 1

The Effects of Music Therapy on Mental Health

Name:

Institutional Affiliation:

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 2

The Effects of Music Therapy on Mental Health

Introduction

Throughout the history of humankind, music has been used to serve many purposes.

Whenever King Saul was troubled, he would send for David to play his harp, and that greatly

helped to cool him down. Music has helped to express varied human emotions that cannot only

be expressed through speech but also through other mediums. For instance, people use it to show

their dissatisfaction or joy with their day to day happenings. Raglio et al., (2015) also argue that

music is a useful tool for communication; it promotes cohesion and understanding among people

and also acts as a medium of interconnection.

History of music therapy

In the ancient Greek, music was linked to effective emotional and body healing, and to

that end, the Greeks decided to make god Apollo to control over music, as well as any other form

of human healing. In fact, both Plato and Aristotle used music therapy to cheer up weakened

people. According to Plato, music together with dancing was very useful in helping persons with

a lot of anxiety or fear, whereas, Aristotle thought of music to be very effective in healing those

who suffer from grave emotions (Wheeler, 2015). Also, the music of Thales was applied to treat

people who were affected by plague, which invaded Sparta at around 600 B.C. In their healing

shrines, physicians worked together with musicians to ensure speedy recovery of their patients.

With major milestones made in this area of study, the modern music therapy started after the last

world war. Soldiers who showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder enjoyed the benefits that

came handy with this discovery. Several musicians visited the local hospitals to play music for

them; as a result, this gave better results when compared to the ancient therapies.

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 3

Modern psychology has also proved that music is also vital in influencing our emotions.

The proponents of this assertion argue that the frontal areas of the human brain which are very

useful in processing emotions; respond very well to music when one is in a depressive condition.

Since these parts of the brain are also involved in emotional disorders, the reception of music

stimulates them to regulate the amount of depression. In this case, the musical encounter enables

the withdrawn patient to engage in a meaningful interaction. Also, the significance of forestalling

depression through playing musical instruments is a matter that can’t be overlooked. Playing

musical instruments involves a lot of movements that enables one to appreciate themselves as

physical beings engaged in musical participation. As a result, it gives one the sense of belonging

to something significant.

Definition and relation

Wheeler (2015) describes music therapy as “a systematic process of intervention where

the therapist helps their clients to promote health using the music experience and the

relationships that develop through them.” Typically, it is viewed as a psychotherapeutic

procedure where verbal discussions and music are used as modes of communication. The

underlying reason for the whole process is to address mental health issues and other problems

that may not be addressed by word of mouth alone. The music therapy can sometimes be

administered on a one-on-one basis (between the patient and the therapist) or through groups,

where the patient is actively involved in the musical process. The same can also be divided into

two distinct categories: active music therapy and passive music therapy (Caba, 2014). In active

music therapy, the relations between the client and the psychotherapist are much intense when

compared to the passive music therapy. In passive therapy, the therapist becomes the center of

everything as the client is only required to sit back and listen to the therapist playing some

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 4

peaceful music. Besides, the client is also required to share what they think and the feelings that

manifest with the musical composition (Bartel, 2013). The music is meant to appeal to the

patient to visualize a peaceful environment and also connect with their inner feelings.

Throughout the session, they get to conceptualize and develop insight into their stress. The

scenario is opposite in active music therapy, where both the client and the psychotherapist are

actively involved in music using body movements, instruments, and their voices. Both the patient

and the therapist listen to the music while reflecting, they then discuss the way of thinking and

memories that are evoked by that session.

Arguably, depression is one of the common reasons for loss of general functions and

reduction of productivity in life today. A psychotherapist, Eamon Keane, defines depression as

an attempt by the body and the mind to alter the normal state and spirit of a person. He further

describes it as the struggle by people to be “who they are and who they are meant to be.”

Depression is also a result of hormonal imbalance in the human body; the levels of serotonin and

dopamine get altered, thus making it necessary to seek medical remedies. However much these

drugs can be easily prescribed to people manifesting depression symptoms, many scholars argue

that music therapy gives desirable long-term results. The clinical solutions only suppress the

human feelings without necessarily addressing their mental issues. In his book “Musicophilia,”

Oliver Sacks tells of a young man who suffers from bipolar issues and plays the piano to regulate

and stabilize his moods (Sacks, 2012). Music in such a case provides brain stimulation and

consequently contributes significantly to the healing process. This paper will, therefore, provide

a literature review on the impact of music therapy on mental health, with specific interest in

depression treatment.

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 5

Different musical interventions for treating depression

Much as many scholars would argue that clinical solutions offer best solutions to depression,

studies have proven that music is the best available means of alleviating depression symptoms

naturally. Many musical interventions make part of music therapy, and some of them include:

i. Lyrical analysis

While other forms of intervention involve a lot of emotional expressions, lyric analysis

brings in a gentle approach that evokes thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The one listening to

the music is urged to provide alternative lyrics, musical tool or messages from the lyrics that can

relate to the issues affecting their lives. For example, one will always have that one song, which

they genuinely connect to and as such, it gives them the chance to select the song’s lyrics that

may relate to their experiences. The same can also be done through songwriting, which provides

one with the chance to express their feeling in a better way. In this case, one can create lyrics that

best manifest in their ideas and feelings, as well as play instruments that produce sounds which

portray the mood and emotions within the music. It is a procedure that is quite validating and

also builds self-confidence. The feeling of listening to your creation works out the magic.

ii. Using live musical sounds.

Usually, people who show symptoms of depression lack joy and interest in engaging in

particular social activities. Creating these sounds, therefore, provides the opportunity for patients

to experience themselves in a unique way, with much support in a therapeutic setting (Bartel,

2013). Bartel (2013) opines that when creating music, the patient should ensure that music makes

meaning to them. It is the emotions and the feelings that should guide the kind of music that one

plays.

iii. Relating differently to other people and yourself

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 6

When a person is engaged in music, they get the chance to relate differently. They use

emotions and rhythm, rather than words. They might find it difficult to express themselves

through word, but not emotions. In fact, working with a musical therapist in such cases, help the

patient to get that profound connection with their emotions. What they feel as they play the

music and focus; forms the integral part of the healing process. That is a result of the supportive

environment that is enabled by the expert.

iv. Using vibration treatment

Ideally, music can be equally described as a form of vibration. When relative levels of

vibrations are applied to a patient to treat depression, different parts of the body are stimulated to

work with emotions harmoniously (Bartel, 2013). The process is what Novotney (2013) refer to

as vibroacoustic therapy. While some dismiss it as a weaker approach, different studies have

given credence to it, arguing that it reduces chronic pain and the use of medical dosage for

treating depression.

v. Active music listening

As a mood regulator, the rhythms and the repetitive elements of music stimulate the

neocortex of the human brain, which plays the major role in calming and reducing impulsivity in

patients. While it might be important to play music that connects with one's mood, the relating

music might keep them in the same undesirable state. To alter such states, the therapist can first

start by playing music that connects with the state of the client’s feelings and then graduate to a

friendlier and calm music (Bartel, 2013). For example, playing classical music that makes one

feel calm and relaxed.

vi. Connecting with the musical movement

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 7

Just as physical exercise is much beneficial to heal people exhibiting depression symptoms,

making musical movements also allow a person to experience themselves as physical beings

(Bartel, 2013), and that is very beneficial when treating depression. In the reception of music, the

human body reacts by dancing, tapping of the feet or nodding. This comes out naturally, and it

helps a depressed patient to connect with their body.

vii. Improvisation of music

Playing of an instrument is arguably one of the activities that predominantly involve more

parts of the brain when compared to other activities. When playing instruments, emotional

expression and exploration of various musical themes are inevitable (Novotney, 2013). This can

be illustrated by a group that creates the sounds of a storm through playing drums, thunder tubes,

and rain sticks. After that, they can also identify escalating and de-escalating parts of the sounds

they create. It gives them the room to discuss their feelings and that consequently improve their

moods.

viii. Using music to enhance other activities that ease a person’s moods

Including music in activities that heightens a person’s experience is also very significant in

treating depression. When a person enjoys painting, writing or reading with music in the

background, the music introduces some feeling of relaxation which helps them to improve their

coping skills. For example, if one is drawing in a peaceful environment, they should make it

congruent with some calm music.

ix. Coupling music therapy with other depression treatments.

Studies show that a combination of music therapy and other treatments give a long-lasting

solution to people with mental illness. Mantra, standard care, and guided imagery are some of the

solutions that can be paired with music therapy.

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 8

a) Pairing music therapy with mantra

This method is very effective in patients who struggle with negative thoughts. When a

mantra is coupled with a reflective and calming tune, the brain is stimulated to reduce the effects

of depression. When the emotions are stronger, the mantras should be repeated severally to get

better results (Bartel, 2013).

b) Combining music therapy with the standard care

The well-known treatments for depression are antidepressant medication and therapy. When

the two are combined, they improve the outcome of the treatment process. In this case, music

acts as a therapeutic tool to harness the effects of prescribed drugs.

c) Using guided imagery together with music therapy

Engaging these two distinct processes in the human brain, at once, produces emotional

responses that are very significant in alleviating depression patients. For instance, the process

can evoke creativity of doing something to keep the mind distracted from negative thoughts.

x. Drumming

As it has already been explained in the improvisation category, a variety of musical

instruments can be used with the patients in music therapy. As Bartel (2013) puts it, the use of

other instruments can be understood as improvisation, but the use of drums is quite distinct. It

may be one of the instruments that are predominantly used because they require very limited

skills to produce sounds from them. That, therefore, makes them friendly to many clients, who

use them to express their emotions. In such a case, the therapists have the patients express their

experiences on a drum and then have their peers analyze whatever they are playing (Bartel,

2013).

xi. Singing

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 9

Bartel (2013) opines that it doesn’t matter whether one is a good singer or not, singing can

assist in uplifting a person’s moods and thoughts to promote relaxation. Modern therapists are of

the view that when one is using this technique, they should sing songs that are easy to sing and

that also make them happy.

Supporting studies

It is also significant to look at some of the studies supporting the narrative review above.

Many of these studies have shown that music therapy can help to address emotional, physical

and mental issues that affect people today. Starting with a recent research conducted at Queens

University, young people with behavioral problems were involved in a study to ascertain the

effectiveness of music therapy. The researchers found that music could be the most effective

remedy to help ease depression in young people suffering from mental and behavioral issues.

Professor Sam, a lead researcher in this study, stated that “this study is hugely significant in

terms of determining effective treatments for children and young people with behavioral

problems and mental needs” (Caba, 2014).

In collaboration with Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust, the researchers enlisted over

250 young participants with varied behavioral problems to take part in the study (Caba, 2014).

They were then regrouped into two categories, where 128 participants were provided with

standard care for depression and 123 were put under music therapy to treat the latter. At the end

of the study, it was deduced that the 123 who were taken through music therapy sessions had

improved in their communication skills, confidence and also, they had reduced depression

symptoms when compared to the participants who received standard care (Caba, 2014). Further

observations brought to light the fact that most of the participants who were treated through

music therapy, exhibited long-lasting solutions. The chief executive officer of the involved

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 10

Music Therapy Trust, Ciara Reilly affirms that “The findings are dramatic and underscore the

need for music therapy to be made available as a mainstream treatment option, for a long time

we have relied on anecdotal evidence and small-scale research findings of how well music

therapy works. Now we have robust clinical evidence to show its beneficial effects." (Caba,

2014)

Another research conducted by Beth Israel Medical Center’s Louis Armstrong Center for

Music and Medicine, also determined that lullaby sounds can calm both infants and their parents

(Novotney, 2013). The sounds help to improve the baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns and also

alleviate stress in their parents (Novotney, 2013). In this study, the researchers sampled 272

premature babies. They then observed the impact of different types of music on the babies;

lullabies sung by the babies’ parents, sound from the 'gato box' and an ocean disc (Novotney,

2013). The two musical tools were played by professional therapists who tried to match the

sounds to the babies’ breathing pace. The researchers then came into a conclusion that all the

sounds slowed the babies’ heart pace; however, singing gave better results. Also, it lengthened

the time that the baby stayed quietly awake and reduced the level of stress in their parents. The

study exhaustively shows how music activates and stimulates the body to facilitate recovery in

the parents. "There's just something about music , particularly live music, that excites and

activates the body, music very much has a way of enhancing quality of life and can, in addition,

promote recovery," Says Loewy (Novotney, 2013)

A study published by the British journal of psychiatrist also gives compelling results that

music therapy reduces the symptoms of depression in people suffering from behavioral

disorders. The researchers diagnosed a group of 79 people who lie between the ages of 18 and 50

with depression (Yinger, 2018). Out of the total number of patients, 46 patients were provided

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 11

with standard care, which involved the use of antidepressants, six psychotherapy sessions and

psychiatric counseling (Yinger, 2018). The remaining 33 got the same standard treatment with

60 minutes long 20 bi-weekly music therapy sessions (Yinger, 2018). The musical expressions

during the therapies were pegged on the selection of music instruments. Both the therapist and

the participants had indistinguishable instruments and all the inventions were recorded for further

considerations. These instruments include; an acoustic djembe drum, a mallet instrument and a

percussion instrument (Yinger, 2018). After the processes, depression levels were measured and

those who had music incorporated in their standard treatment showed much progress in regards

to depression. As a result, it also improved their general body functions. The depression scores in

this study were measured at baseline after three and six months of intervention (Yinger, 2018). In

light of the above study, psychiatrist Michael Crawford deduced three compelling reasons to

show why music therapy works. He feels that music gives a feeling of meaningfulness and

pleasure to the patients; it involves the human body through movements that facilitates the

aversion of depression. Lastly, he concluded that music therapy is relational because it acts as a

tool of communication that gives room for interaction with others (Yinger, 2018). In his words

he says "The results suggest that it can improve the mood and general functioning of people with

depression.” He further adds that “Music-making is social, pleasurable and meaningful. It has

been argued that music making engages people in ways that words may simply not be able to”

(Yinger, 2018).

Another study carried out to determine the connection between music and stress showed

that music is very helpful in soothing patients in pediatric emergency rooms (Novotney, 2014).

In this study, 42 young patients who are middle-aged were used. According to Novotney (2014),

The researchers from the Alberta University discovered that the patient who listened to calming

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 12

music played in the background while having the IV inserted, experienced reduced pain and less

stress when compared to those who had no music during the treatment process (Novotney, 2014).

Also, among the music listening groups, a significant number of healthcare practitioners

admitted that they experienced no difficulties when administering the IVs, while on the other

hand, only 38 percent of those who did not listen to music had their IVs easily administered

(Novotney, 2014). "There is growing scientific evidence showing that the brain responds to

music in very specific ways, playing music for kids during painful medical procedures is a

simple intervention that can make a big difference,” (Novotney, 2014) says Professor Lisa

Hartling, a guiding author of the research. The same procedure can also work in adult patients.

The researchers who took part in a study at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, discovered that

the ailing persons who underwent through music therapy sessions experienced much relief from

their prolonged pain (Novotney, 2014). The therapist worked together with the patients to

modify their interventions. The patients participated in playing instruments, writing songs and

analyzing lyrics. These gave them the opportunity to reconnect with their healthy side, which

helped to reduce the pain symptoms (Novotney, 2014).

Music therapy and general mental health

Notably, it is a worldwide estimation that atleast over 400 million people experience

mental health problems in their lifetime (National Institute of Mental Health, 2005). In the UK, it

is even worse as one out of four people must at one point in their life exhibit symptoms of mental

health problems. In fact, its financial burden has been estimated at 100 billion Euros (National

Institute of Mental Health, 2005). As a solution, music therapy is the only known effective

psychological intervention best suited for both children and adults. When participating in a music

therapy, a mentally ill person gets to relate safely with other people and also express some of the

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 13

feelings that they may not be confident to speak out. It can also help such people to discover the

creative and positive things about themselves, which are often crowded by their feelings of

exclusion and low self-esteem (Pérez et al, 2010). For some teenagers, the transition to

adulthood can sometimes be coupled with trauma and insecurities which might lead to

depression. It is music therapy that offers such people the safest platform to explore and know

much about these issues.

Pérez et al (2010) gives an illustration of a fifteen-year-old that was referred to a music

therapist after exhibiting mental health symptoms. Kyle, who was involved in street crime, had

no empathy and showed aggression and predatory sexual behavior towards his peers. During his

first music therapy sessions, he would sit bent with his mobile and found it difficult to open up to

the therapist. To start, the therapist started by listening tunes from Kyle phone and discussed the

meaning he drew from those songs (Pérez et al, 2010). That helped him to open up about his

hopes, academics, and family. With time, Kyle became a friend to the therapist, and he started

performing his raps that revealed much about his troubles. He later came to discover that this

was his new way of communicating. With time, he developed more understanding about the

effects of his actions on other people (Pérez et al, 2010). A year later, he resolved to change his

ways and started attending college, where he was elected to be a student leader. This is a clear

indication that everybody can respond to music. Music therapy, therefore, uses that relation to

foster better results through one’s emotional well-being and interacting skills (Sacks, 2012). It

can help in boosting one’s self-confidence and facilitate self-awareness and awareness of others

(Sacks, 2012), just as in the case of Kyle.

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 14

Music therapy and mental pain

A recent research comparing the use of music therapy and psychotherapy for depressed

patients shows that music therapy is very effective in addressing mental issues (Pérez et al.,

2012). It was evident that patients who incorporated music therapy in their treatment

demonstrated better symptoms improvement when compared to those who underwent through

psychotherapy. In the study, it was discovered that depression came as a result of reduced

dopamine levels and number of dopamine receptors found in the human brain (Pérez et al.,

2012). Since music stimulates these parts of the brain, it provides intense pleasure, which in turn

reduces the symptoms of depression. Chang, Wong, and Thayala also affirmed that in a study

which was carried out to show how music therapy impacted on depressive symptoms in adults

(Chang, Wong, and Thayala, 2011).

Bartel (2013), also points out to research that showed how music changed the mood of

participants. In that study, it was concluded that participants who were struggling with sad mood

were more likely to be quite receptive to the sorrow in the music and that they favored such

songs as opposed to the happy songs (Bartel, 2013). The vice versa also applies because happy

music introduces positive feelings that help to reduce sadness in affected patients. Bartel (2013)

further acknowledges that depressed people do have a negatively prejudiced emotional reception

towards music. However, the biasness depends on the level of depression or worry.

Music therapy and physical pain

Other studies have also been carried out to examine the physical ramifications of music

therapy on various patients. Bartel (2013), focused on how patients with prolonged chronic pains

used music to address their problems. According to him, these patients enjoyed calming and

soothing music that eased their pain; however, the patients who individually had to select their

music endured the pain for a longer period of time when compared to the ones who had their

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 15

music selected by the therapist. The pre-selected songs by the expert were also able to improve

the perceived control of pain (Bartel, 2013). However, he also acknowledges that calming music

with precise soothing elements can be as equally effective as the ones chosen by the

experimenter (Bartel, 2013). Others have also shown that certain types of music can reduce

physiological responses to pain, thus leaving the patient in their undesirable state.

Conclusion

Despite the modern medical interventions that have been proposed today, medical

therapy is still one of the most effective ways of addressing mental health whether used

independently or together with other forms of treatment. In treating depression patients, studies

have shown that lyrical analysis, drumming, singing and using music to enhance other activities

are very much effective. These various interventions alleviate a patient’s mood and consequently

fasten the healing process. Besides, they can also be paired with the standard care for depression,

which involves administering antidepressants to achieve desirable long-term results. With further

research, the future studies should narrow down on depression and examine how exactly music

therapy is related to depression to provide a comprehensive foundation of information in this

discipline (Bartel, 2013). As a result, other forms of therapies could also be created depending on

how music listening impact in the lives of people.

MUSIC THERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH 16

Reference

Bartel, K (2013). “The effects of music on anxiety and depression in emerging adults.”

Caba, J. (2014). Music Therapy For Depression: An Efficient, Cost-Effective Way To Treat

Children And Teens. Medical Daily. Retrieved 27 November 2017, from

http://www.medicaldaily.com/music-therapy-depression-efficient-cost-effective-way

treat-children-and-teens-307725

Chan, M., Wong, Zi,. & Thayala, N. (2011). The effectiveness of music listening in reducing

depressive symptoms in adults: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in

Medicine, 19, 332-348.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2005). The numbers count: Mental disorders in America.

Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count

mentaldisorders- in-america/index.shtml

Novotney, A. (2013). Music as medicine. http://www.apa.org. Retrieved 27 November 2017,

from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music.aspx

Pérez, S., Pérez, V., Velasco, M., Campos, E., & Mayoral, M. (2010). Effects of music therapy

on depression compared with psychotherapy. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 37, 387–390

Raglio, A., Attardo, L., Gontero, G., Rollino, S., Groppo, E. and Granieri, E. (2015). “Effects of

Music and music therapy on mood in neurological patients.” World Journal of

Psychiatry, [online] 5(1), p.68. Available at:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369551/ [Accessed 22 Nov. 2017].

Sacks, O. (2012). “Musicophilia: tales of music and the brain” (2nd ed.). London: Picador.

Wheeler, B. (2015). “Music therapy handbook”. Guilford Publications, pp.17-103.

Yinger, O. S. (2018). Music therapy: Research and evidence-based practice.

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."