Personal identity narratives of therapeutic songwriting participants following Spinal Cord Injury: A case series analysis. (4th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roddy, Chantal; Rickard, Nikki; Tamplin, Jeanette; Baker, Felicity Anne
• Is Part Of: Journal of spinal cord medicine. Volume 41:Number 4(2018:Jul.)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04
• Subjects: Spinal cord injuries -- Self concept -- Rehabilitation -- Music therapy -- Identity; Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8305
• DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1364559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-0268

Abstract

Abstract : Context/Objective: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients face unique identity challenges associated with physical limitations, higher comorbid depression, increased suicidality and reduced subjective well-being. Post-injury identity is often unaddressed in subacute rehabilitation environments where critical physical and functional rehabilitation goals are prioritized. Therapeutic songwriting has demonstrated prior efficacy in promoting healthy adjustment and as a means of expression for post-injury narratives. The current study sought to examine the identity narratives of therapeutic songwriting participants. Design: Case-series analysis of the individual identity trajectories of eight individuals. Setting: Subacute rehabilitation facility, Victoria, Australia. Participants: Eight individuals with an SCI; 7 males and 1 female. Intervention: Six-week therapeutic songwriting intervention facilitated by a music therapist to promote identity rehabilitation. Outcome Measures: Identity, subjective well-being and distress, emotional state. Results: Three participants demonstrated positive trajectories and a further three showed negative trajectories; remaining participants were ambiguous in their response. Injury severity differentiated those with positive trajectories from those with negative trajectories, with greater injury severity apparent for those showing negative trends. Self-concept also improved more in those with positive trajectories. Core demographic variables did not however meaningfully predict the direction of change in core identity or wellbeing indices. Conclusion: Identity-focused songwriting holds promise as a means of promoting healthy identity reintegration. Further research on benefits for those with less severe spinal injuries is warranted.