Perceptions of Self-Determination in Music Therapy for Individuals Diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities: A Survey of Music Therapists

Individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience positive outcomes and desire to participate in decisions regarding various aspects of their lives but are often less likely to access this right than their peers without a diagnosis. These individuals may be able to increase their proficiency in self-determination through practice, but it is unclear the extent to which they may be involved in healthcare-related decisions, specifically while participating in music therapy. Through a survey of board-certified music therapists currently serving individuals diagnosed with I/DD, in this study, the author sought to identify aspects of self-determination being incorporated into music therapy treatment with individuals diagnosed with I/DD and to determine the extent to which self-determination is emphasized. Results of this study indicated elements perceived by music therapists to be essential to self-determination, benefits associated with access to self-determination, methods of incorporating self-determination into music therapy sessions, relationships between work experience, attitudes about self-determination, and the frequency of self-determination being incorporated into sessions. Based on the results of this study, future research could explore potential implications of music therapists’ educational background and work setting on self-determination and should include perspectives from service users.