Keywords
music therapy, depression in adolescents
Abstract
This paper presents a literature review examining the impact of music therapy on adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Music therapy, officially recognized in 1950, is a clinical intervention that addresses various psychological and cognitive deficiencies. Adolescents show a strong affinity for music, making it a potential treatment for depression, which is prevalent among this age group. This review explores studies focused on music therapy’s effects on brain function, individual psychotherapy, and group therapy for adolescents. Research suggests that music therapy positively influences brain activity by reducing cortisol levels and shifting brainwave patterns towards healthier states. In individual therapy, music interventions, particularly improvisational techniques, have shown improvements in communication skills and emotional regulation. Group music therapy fosters peer interaction and socialization, contributing to enhanced mood and reduced depressive symptoms. While the findings are promising, limitations such as small sample sizes and a lack of long-term studies highlight the need for further research. Overall, music therapy seems to be an appealing treatment option for adolescents with depression.
Recommended Citation
McCain, Bella
(2024)
"A Literary Review on the Effects of Music Therapy on Depressed Adolescents: Brain Function, Individual Therapy, and Group Psychotherapy,"
Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology: Vol. 16:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol16/iss1/5