Abstract
Listening to music is an activity that provides a range of physical and psychological benefits (e.g., tension relief, decreased depression) for people across cultures and age groups. Adolescents, specifically, are among the most active consumers of music, and music appears to be a natural coping strategy for this age group. Research suggests that both music and the family context play important roles during the developmental phase of adolescence. Family transitions such as divorce have become increasingly common experiences for adolescents and may have long-lasting negative effects on an adolescent's emotional well-being. However, research regarding music-based interventions for use with adolescents experiencing family conflicts or transitions is limited. Thus, this project involved the creation of a resource manual designed to help mental health professionals implement music-based interventions in their work with adolescents coping with family conflict or parental divorce. The development of the manual was informed by a review of the literature about music therapy, adolescents, and families, as well as by questionnaires completed by three certified music therapists, and this author's own clinical experiences. The data was then integrated and synthesized into a comprehensive resource manual, which was evaluated by three clinicians who are not trained music therapists for its efficacy, relevance, and user-friendliness. Feedback for the manual was collected via an evaluation form. Results indicated that the manual may be a useful supplemental tool for mental health professionals. Strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement are also discussed.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Music therapy for teenagers -- Handbooks, manuals, etc.; Teenagers -- Family relationships
Date of Award
2015
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Harrell, Shelly P.;
Recommended Citation
Meono, Lori, "Using music-based interventions with adolescents coping with family conflict or parental divorce: a resource manual" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 604.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/604