Music therapy for children and adolescents with behavioural and emotional problems: a randomised controlled trial
Porter S, McConnell T, McLaughlin K, Lynn F, Cardwell C, Braiden HJ, Boylan J, Holmes V, Music in Mind Study Group
Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines · 47 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- University or hospital
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Nonprofit
- Big Lottery Fund
Based on 2 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2016-10-27 · J Child Psychol Psychiatry · vol. 58 · issue 5 · pp. 586–594
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Cited
- 157 citations · more than 99% of similar papers · 12.4× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 41 works
- Access
- Open access (hybrid journal) · CC-BY-NC-ND
- Research areas
- Music Therapy and Health · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Infant Development and Preterm Care
- Keywords
- Randomized controlled trial, Mental health, Psychology, Intervention (counseling), Depression (economics), Clinical psychology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry
- MeSH
- humans, music therapy, follow-up studies, single-blind method, self concept, anxiety disorders, depressive disorder, adolescent, child, female, male, social skills, autism spectrum disorder, outcome assessment, health care
9 authors
From GB
- Sam Porter · correspondingBournemouth University
- Tracey McConnellQueen's University Belfast
- Katrina McLaughlinQueen's University Belfast
- Fiona Ann LynnQueen's University Belfast
- Chris R. CardwellQueen's University Belfast
- Hannah‐Jane BraidenQueen's University Belfast
Abstract
Background
Although music therapy (MT) is considered an effective intervention for young people with mental health needs, its efficacy in clinical settings is unclear. We therefore examined the efficacy of MT in clinical practice.
Methods
Two hundred and fifty-one child (8-16 years, with social, emotional, behavioural and developmental difficulties) and parent dyads from six Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service community care facilities in Northern Ireland were randomised to 12 weekly sessions of MT plus usual care [n = 123; 76 in final analyses] or usual care alone [n = 128; 105 in final analyses]. Follow-up occurred at 13 weeks and 26 weeks postrandomisation. Primary outcome was improvement in communication (Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales) (SSIS) at 13 weeks. Secondary outcomes included social functioning, self-esteem, depression and family functioning.
Results
There was no significant difference for the child SSIS at week 13 (adjusted difference in mean 2.4; 95% CI -1.2 to 6.1; p = .19) or for the guardian SSIS (0.5; 95% CI -2.9 to 3.8; p = .78). However, for participants aged 13 and over in the intervention group, the child SSIS communication was significantly improved (6.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 10.5; p = .007) but not the guardian SSIS (1.1; 95% CI -2.9 to 5.2; p = .59). Overall, self-esteem was significantly improved and depression scores were significantly lower at week 13. There was no significant difference in family or social functioning at week 13.
Conclusions
While the findings provide some evidence for the integration of music therapy into clinical practice, differences relating to subgroups and secondary outcomes indicate the need for further study. ISRCTN Register; ISRCTN96352204.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY-NC-ND).
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