Music Therapy as Self-Care for Parents of Children with Autism
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Author
Engelking, Elizabeth
Date
2012
Degree
Master of Arts in Music Therapy
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to explore the effectiveness of
music therapy as a form of self-care for parents of children with autism. Three parents
participated in this study. Participants attended two music therapy sessions. Each session
was approximately 45 minutes long and included music-assisted relaxation, Music
Imagery, singing, and instrumental improvisation interventions. Participants completed a
pre-test and post-test in which they ranked their perceptions of various elements of selfcare. Participants also completed a satisfaction survey in which they marked those
interventions they found most and least helpful in terms of self-care and which
interventions they might incorporate into their personal self-care practices. After the
study, participants were asked to complete a written follow-up survey about their overall
impressions of music therapy as self-care. Participants found music therapy to be helpful
in reducing stress, body tension, and emotional strain. They found music-assisted
relaxation to be the most helpful intervention and Music Imagery and singing to be the
least helpful interventions in terms of self-care. Overall, participants expressed high
satisfaction with music therapy, though they indicated that they would be unlikely to
pursue music therapy if it were offered. The participants stated that finding care for their
children and having busy schedules would make it difficult to participate in music
therapy sessions. Participants indicated that they were interested in learning music
therapy techniques or having music therapy-related materials (such as a compact disc
with music and interventions) that they could use independently at their convenience.