Therapeutic songwriting to enhance wellbeing and decrease depression in older people living in residential care: A lyrics analysis of participant-composed songs

Journal

Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2025

Abstract

Therapeutic songwriting has shown positive effects on depressive symptoms in individuals living in residential care. Furthermore, song lyrics written by participants may provide information about their life experiences and interests. However, detailed analysis of song lyrics created by people with late-life depression as part of therapeutic songwriting is often not considered in research. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the lyrics of songs written by people with depression living in residential care. The experiences of four participants with depression who completed an individual therapeutic songwriting program that incorporated positive psychology were explored using a content analysis of written song lyrics. The findings from the content analysis were informed by results from interviews with the participants. Content analysis of 179 lyric lines revealed six categories: social contacts, situations, activities, reflection, self-perception, and expressed emotions. The most frequently described themes were contact with family and being a family member, remembering, reflecting on what evokes positive feelings, outings, expressing gratitude, and contact with residents and friends. Our findings not only provide insights into meaningful themes that may enhance wellbeing and reduce depressive symptoms but also offer recommendations for clinical practice. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study have enriched our ongoing research, which includes exploring participant interview data and changes in observed outcome measurements.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Wellness and Well-Being; Depression; Mental Health; Elderly; Music Therapy; Composition; Songwriting; Long-Term Care Facility; Emotional Functioning; Interpersonal Relations; Subjective Measures

Indexed Terms

late-life depression; lyric analysis; older adults; positive psychology; Therapeutic songwriting; wellbeing

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

Publisher: Routledge _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2025.2497802

Document Type

Article

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