Music Therapy
"From the time of pre-Christian era through the present, philosophers, historians, and scientists have written and spoken of efficacy of music as a therapeutic agent".
This study investigated the impact of different types of music on tension, mood, and mental clarity. A total of 144 subjects completed a psychological profile before and after listening for 15 minutes to four types of music (grunge rock, classical, NewAge, and designer). With grunge rock music, significant increases were found in hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue, and significant reductions were observed in caring, relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor. In contrast, after listening to the designer music (music designed to have specific effects on the listener), significant increases in caring, relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor were measured: significant decreases were found in hostility, fatigue, sadness, and tension. The results for New Age and classical music were mixed. Feeling shifts among subjects were observed with all types of music. Designer music was most effective in increasing positive feelings and decreasing negative feelings. Results suggest that designer music may be useful in the treatment of tension, mental distraction, and negative moods.
Music Therapy is an established health care profession that uses music and music activities in treatment programs which address the physical, emotional, social and cognitive challenges faced by children and adults with diverse illnesses and special needs, and in wellness programs which promote the maintenance of good health in the general population.
Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional who develops individualized treatment and supportive interventions with people of all ages and ability levels to address their social, communication, emotional, physical, cognitive, sensory and spiritual needs.
Darrow, Gibbons, and Heller (1985) state that...
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