Music therapy for posttraumatic stress in adults: A theoretical review.
Author(s):
Nora Landis-Shack
Adrienne J. Heinz
Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
Publication Year:
2017
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
334-342
Volume:
27
Issue:
4
Abstract:
Music therapy has been employed as a therapeutic intervention to facilitate healing across a variety of clinical populations. There is theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that individuals with trauma exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition characterized by enduring symptoms of distressing memory intrusions, avoidance, emotional disturbance, and hyperarousal, may derive benefits from music therapy. The current narrative review describes the practice of music therapy and presents a theoretically-informed assessment and model of music therapy as a tool for addressing symptoms of PTSD. The review also presents key empirical studies that support the theoretical assessment. Social, cognitive, and neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., community building, emotion regulation, increased pleasure, anxiety reduction) that promote music therapy’s efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for individuals with posttraumatic stress are discussed. It is concluded that music therapy may be a useful therapeutic tool to reduce symptoms and improve functioning among individuals with trauma exposure and PTSD, though more rigorous empirical study is required. In addition, music therapy may help foster resilience and engage individuals who struggle with stigma associated with seeking professional help. Practical recommendations for incorporating music therapy into clinical practice are offered along with several suggestions for future research.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Landis-Shack, Nora, Adrienne J. Heinz, and Marcel O. Bonn-Miller. 2017. “Music Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress in Adults: A Theoretical Review.” Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain 27 (4): 334–42. https://doi.org/10.1037/pmu0000192.