Effectiveness of music therapy for children and adolescents with psychopathology: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Music therapy has been found to be effective for children and adolescents with psychopathology, but its effectiveness in routine practice is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether individual music therapy as provided in outpatient services is an effective treatment for this group of clients and to examine potential predictors of its effectiveness. The authors assessed symptoms, competencies, and quality of life in children and adolescents with psychopathology (N=136) before and after up to 25 weekly sessions of individual music therapy or corresponding waiting time. No significant interaction effects were identified, although quality of life showed a tendency in favor of music therapy. Effect sizes were smaller than in previous experimental research. Effects on symptoms depended on the presence and severity of comorbid medical conditions. The results suggest that music therapy as provided in routine practice is effective for some but not all groups of clients.

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