Observing Music Therapy in Dementia: Repeated Single-case Studies Assessing Well-being and Sociable Interaction. Issue 4 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madsø, Kristine Gustavsen; Molde, Helge; Hynninen, Kia Minna; Nordhus, Inger Hilde
• Is Part Of: Clinical gerontologist. Volume 45:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 968
• Page End: 982
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: Music therapy -- dementia -- observation -- single-case design -- well-being -- sociable interaction -- caregiver; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1978121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study compared behavioral expressions of momentary well-being and sociable behavior toward significant others during music therapy and regular social interaction. Methods: A 10-week active music therapy intervention was provided for people living with dementia and family caregivers. A bi-phasic AB single-case design was replicated for three sessions per dyad and coded using the Observable Well-being in Living with Dementia-Scale (OWLS) and the Verbal and Nonverbal Sociable Interaction Scale-Care Receiver (VNVIS-CR). Effect sizes (Log Response Ratio) were calculated for each session and analyzed with robust cluster meta-analysis. Results: Eleven dyads were included, and 32 sessions analyzed (2102 observations). Within sessions we found a 48% increase in well-being, and a 32% increase in sociable interaction during music therapy. Heterogeneity was high. Dementia severity predicted an increase in nonverbal sociable interaction (93% for moderate dementia). Depression and time did not predict any change. Conclusion: The potential of music therapy to increase well-being and sociable interactions toward significant others calls for further investigation of heterogeneity and covariates. Single-case designs are demonstrated to be feasible for these investigations. Clinical implications: Preference-based music therapy may alleviate some of the individual and relational consequences of living with dementia, facilitating positive emotions and connection to significant others.