Music Therapy Research

The American Music Therapy Association “AMTA” publishes research journals that present evidenced-based clinical studies. Following is AMTA’s definition of music therapy.

“Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is a well-established healthcare profession in which various music-based methods are used to address the specific needs of individuals with illnesses, disabilities and special needs. The music therapist assesses the needs of the clients, develops and implements a treatment plan based on assessment findings, and evaluates the treatment process. Because music is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible with a variety of populations.” www.musictherapy.org

These diverse populations are linked to downloadable AMTA fact sheets for evidenced-based support of music therapy’s effectiveness. Click here to access AMTA’s website for other population interests.

Music 4 Life™ Research

CCTA has spearheaded three studies since 1991 that relate to the specialized use of music to affect well-being. Judith Pinkerton, MT-BC, directed each study, beginning with exploratory research methods involving audience participants, then expanding quantitative and qualitative research to Cancer patients and university subjects. Her work has culminated in the USE MEE™ Model which is adaptable to sites involved with substance abuse, rehab, teens, geriatric, psych (mood disorders), medical, and special education (emotional/behavioral disorders).

For research application, contact CCTA.
For program implementation, contact Music 4 Life.

Research and development of the USE MEE Model began with Judith Pinkerton’s hospital experience in 1986. At that time her recorded solo violin pieces “accidentally” replaced routine post-surgical medication. That experience inspired her to investigate audience preferences during her concerts, informally studying audience preferences for solo violin selections classified into five mood groupings. These groupings progressed into “negative-neutral-positive” Pinkerton renamed as the U.S.E method, with three mood categories of “Unsettled.Soothed.Energized.”

The U.S.E method advanced the MEE Music Exercising Emotions™ Concert, developed from theories found in Sentic Cycle research1(p50) and Rider’s entrainment study2 for lengths of time, entrainment mechanism and broad emotional continuum. Pinkerton produced the MEE Concert3, a specialized sequence of music that matches [potentially] anxiety/fear to depression, then love and finally joy, performed with violin, piano, synthesizer, bass and drums. The potential end-result is a catharsis, as indicated by these three studies investigated by Pinkerton using the MEE Concert.

Audience Research Study

Pinkerton performed “live” violin in the MEE Concert during her accredited seminars, accompanied by the band or a music-minus-one tape of the band. A three-year exploratory study (1991-1993) of audience participants (n = 212) revealed significant effect (p<.01), employing a paired samples T-test. Negative Current States reduced significantly (mean=3.03; std dev.=4.43; t=9.98; df=211) and positive current states improved significantly (mean=-6.39; std. dev. 5.75; t=-16.18; df=211). The pre-post test used for this study advanced the MAPP MEE Self-Assessment.

Cancer Research Study

A two-week preliminary study using the MEE Concert with oncology patients (n = 19) yielded significant reduction in trait anxiety for the experimental group (p<.05; t = 4.25; std. dev. = 2.28; df = 8), with a downward trend for the experimental group’s state anxiety scores.4 Subjects (n = 9) listened daily for fourteen days to an audiocassette tape of the MEE Concert. The control group (n = 10) had increased state anxiety scores and an insignificant reduction in trait anxiety. The pre-post test utilized the State Trait Anxiety Inventory5 which theorizes that “brief anxiety reduction techniques are effective for state or situational but not for trait anxiety.”6(p518) Conversely, the MEE Concert effected a significant reduction in trait anxiety.

University Research Study

The previous two studies supported further investigation of the MEE Concert’s effect with a younger generation. Discussions over a ten-year period with staff at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Student Health Center reviewed positive reactions from Pinkerton’s seminars presented to various UNLV departments. Stress was recognized as manifesting emotional challenges for college students which could be alleviated by employing the MEE Concert.

Student Health Center subjects (Level One n=24, Level Two n=3) were identified and tested to evaluate the benefits of listening one time (Level One) to the MEE Concert, and over fourteen consecutive days (Level Two). Pre-post MAPP MEE assessments were administered to measure quantitative and qualitative data relative to emotional health, utilizing the U.S.E. (Unsettled.Soothed.Energized) emotional continuum. Data indicated two areas incongruous with the predominant population (age 18-35): a prevalent mood of anger not matched within the music and music selections not matched to music preferences. Conversely, results yielded a significant reduction in “unsettledness” (i.e. anxiety and depression).

Implications

Generation X responded to the MEE Concert with a significant reduction in “unsettledness” even though the music was not their preference nor did the music intend to evoke a catharsis by matching a prevalent mood of anger. These findings suggest feasibility of a new recording, based on the USE MEE Model, with moods and music styles customized to Generation X. In doing so, a greater impact on emotional health could result in significant increases in “soothed” and “energized” emotional states, as well as significant decreases in "unsettledness."

A new “alternative” MEE Concert, for ages 18-35, is Pinkerton’s next development project when financial support is established. For those interested in this next development phase, contact Judith Pinkerton.

Bibliography

1. Clynes M. Music, mind and brain: The neuropsychology of music. New York: Plenum Press;1982:50.
2. Rider MS. Entrainment mechanisms are involved in pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and music-mediated imagery. Journal of Music Therapy. 1985;22(4):183-192. Link: Journal of Music Therapy
3. Pinkerton J. MEE™ Concert (Music Exercising Emotions™). Nevada: SeminarConcerts International; 1991. Link: Music 4 Life.us
4. Pinkerton J. The effects of the MEE™ concert (music exercising emotions™) as a music therapy intervention on cancer patients. Nevada: Center for Creative Therapeutic Arts; 1994.
5. Spielberger CD, Gorsuch RL, Lushene RE. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory Test Manual. Florida: Florida State University Press; 1970.
6. Russell L. Comparisons of cognitive, music and imagery techniques on anxiety reduction with university students. Journal of College Student Development. 1992; 33:516-523.