Abstracts Category : Other

Thequalitative affordances of active and receptive music therapytechniques in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia-spectrumpsychotic disorders

by CB Lotter

Background and objectives: Whilst Active and ReceptiveMusic Therapy techniques have been widely researched and areemployed within a range of contexts and with diverse clientpopulations, this study reports on their specific qualitativemusical and verbal affordances in major depressive disorder andschizophrenia-spectrum psychotic disorders. The study alsodescribes and compares the respective and joint contributions ofthe music therapy techniques in giving rise to the affordances aswell as reporting on the similarities and differences within andbetween diagnostic groups. This is the first study of its kindwithin the South African context. Methods: A qualitative researchapproach using a case study design, sampled purposefully twentypatients of the above mentioned diagnostic groups for participationin this study comprising a course of eight twice weekly musictherapy sessions. The primary data sources were transcribed videorecordings of therapy sessions and an individual in-depthsemi-structured interview after the course of therapy. Clinicalsession notes served as a corroborative data source. In-depthcontent and thematic analysis explored and compared qualitativeaffordances during music therapy comprising active and ReceptiveMusic Therapy techniques. The qualitative affordances underinvestigation were i) musical qualities, and ii) verbalexpressions. Emerging from these affordances were the respectiveand combined affordances of the music therapy techniques as wellas the similarities and differences between the diagnosticgroups. Findings: Thirteen themes emerged from the analysis ofclients' verbatim verbal responses to both active music making andReceptive Music Therapy techniques. These themes are: i) not tofeel; ii) to do or not to do; iii) grappling with the desiredfuture; iv) hurt and fear of undesirable outcomes; v) sadness,brokenness and futility; vi) anger, trust and vulnerability; vii)desire for connection with and affection of others; viii)barricaded from being present, now; ix) tensing and un-tensing; x)personal relating to ones musical expression; xi) reflections onthe music and music making in therapy; xii) resilience and courageand xiii) invigoration and liberation. The Active Music Therapytechniques comprising clinical improvisation, structured musicalexercises, drumming, vocal work, songwriting and movement, gaverise to ten themes expressing the musical affordances. The themesthat emerged were i) reciprocal responding; ii) the explicit use ofsymbols through music; iii) regularity; iv) disturbance anddifficulty; v) turning points; vi) energy bursting or lacking;vii) bodily synchrony; viii) intensified emotional expression; ix)exploring new territory and Active Music Therapy techniquescomprising clinical improvisation, structured musical exercises,drumming, vocal work, songwriting and movement, gave rise to tenthemes expressing the musical affordances. The themes that emergedwere i) reciprocal responding; ii) the explicit use of symbolsAdvisors/Committee Members: Van Staden, C.W. (advisor).