Music therapy approaches to support relationship quality in couples living with dementia: A hermeneutic-phenomenological study of music therapists’ reflections

Journal

Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2025

Abstract

Couples living with dementia are at risk of experiencing a deterioration in relationship quality and may seek tools or guidance to sustain couplehood through challenging times. Music therapy interventions have shown potential to enhance closeness and well-being in couples. In this study, we aimed to explore the perspectives of music therapists conducting music interventions in the Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) HOMESIDE, on the influence of the music therapy interventions on spousal relationship quality. We adopted a qualitative interview study design and used a hermeneutic-phenomenological framework for analysis. Data consisted of five interviews with music therapists voluntarily recruited from HOMESIDE. Through the analysis steps we identified three overarching themes: (1) Balancing changing roles and shifting emotions, (2) Resource-oriented facilitation for relationship quality, and (3) Enhancing and challenging relationship quality through music experiences. The results indicate that music and music therapy interventions may enhance activity, interaction, and closeness in couples, and spark enjoyment. Furthermore, potential risk factors were identified, such as triggering grief and increasing power imbalance in the couple through the interventions. The findings of this study support previous studies in showing the potential of music therapy interventions to positively influence relationship quality in couples living with dementia. The potential risk factors, however, are sparsely explored in the existing literature. Further studies should apply research designs that identify and explore such complexities, to facilitate the development of safe and supportive music therapy interventions for couples living with dementia.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Neurodegenerative Disorders; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Interpersonal Relations; Emotional Functioning; Wellness and Well-Being; Psychological Outcomes; Music Therapy; Healthcare Professionals

Indexed Terms

couplehood; dementia; Music therapy interventions; relationship quality

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

Publisher: Routledge _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2025.2497805

Document Type

Article

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