A Pilot Music Group for Young People Attending a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Journal

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine

Year

2015

Abstract

Objective: There is a strong and growing body of evidence supporting the mental health benefits of music. With regard to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) there is a need for creative, child friendly approaches to improve rapport and promote engagement. This study was established as an exploratory pilot project to assess the feasibility of a running a music group within a CAMHS setting as well as any potential benefit to the mental health of a group of diagnostically heterogeneous young people attending the service. Methods: Five young people attending the out-patient clinic participated in a weekly music group over the course of 2 months. Feedback was obtained using a study specific questionnaire as well as baseline and follow-up Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires. Results: The music group was described as an enjoyable experience in the clinic setting and young people identified benefits with regard to mood, self-confidence and social skills. Attendance at appointments within the clinic was good for the duration of the group, suggesting a benefit in encouraging engagement. Conclusions: A music group is a welcome intervention in a CAMHS setting with potential positive benefits for both the service and service users. Further work is needed to establish specific mental health benefits of music-based interventions in young people with mental health difficulties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Adolescents; Children; Interpersonal Problems; Medical Office; Mental Health; Mood; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Questionnaires; Recorded Music Listening; Self-Concept; Self-Report Measures

Indexed Terms

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; body dysmorphic disorder; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; major depressive disorder; Creativity; Mental Health Services

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

30185266

Document Type

Article

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