Music Therapy Theory and Practice as Reflected in Research Literature

The purpose of this study was to identify prominent themes or principles central to music therapy theory and practice through a content analysis of the Journal of Music Therapy from 1964 to 1984. Research focused upon the extent to which music therapy theory and practice are related to physiological response to music, psychological theory, and theories developed within the music therapy profession. Data resulting from the content analysis indicated no single theory central to music therapy practice. However, the following themes or emphases were noted: behavioral and psychoanalytic theories as prominent psychological theories influencing music therapy practice; a large percentage of articles attributing music's therapeutic value to its ability to aid socialzation, enhance self-esteem, and energize through rhythm; a significant difference between the handicapped population covered in research and the demographic figures describing populations most commonly served by music therapists: an increase in the number of data-based articles since 1964, but only a small percentage of experimental articles addressing psychiatric care relative to studies of mental retardation; a low incidence of articles concerning music's influence on physiological change, but an increasing interest in this area.