Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald, R. and Flowers, P. (2012) An interpretative phenomenological analysis of an improvisational music therapy program for cancer patients. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(1), pp. 45-67. (doi: 10.1093/jmt/49.1.45)
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Abstract
Background: Although there are an increasing number of qualitative studies investigating the benefits of music therapy interventions in cancer care settings, few studies have adopted a phenomenological approach to explore how and why such interventions work. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the psychological processes involved in an improvisational music therapy program for cancer patients. Methods: Nine individuals took part in an improvisational music therapy program and participated in semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed as a theoretical and methodological framework for the analysis of the interviews. Results: Recurrent themes revealed a variety of social and psychological benefits related to the experience of music therapy, such as facilitating peer support and group interaction, increasing self-confidence, relaxation, the generation of positive feelings, stress relief and feelings of enhanced communication through music. There was also an emphasis upon the importance of social interaction and communication. Conclusions: This paper highlights a number of key benefits connected with music therapy for patients with cancer and the effectiveness of IPA in applied health psychology research.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Flowers, Professor Paul |
| Authors: | Pothoulaki, M., MacDonald, R., and Flowers, P. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Music Therapy |
| Publisher: | National Association for Music Therapy Inc |
| ISSN: | 0022-2917 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2053-7395 |
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