Researchers at Bournemouth University and Queen's University Belfast have discovered that music therapy reduces depression in children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems.
The research studies involved 251 young people including children and were done in coordination with the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust, also known as Every Day Harmony.
In the research conducted, young people, 8- 16 years of age, suffering from depression significantly improved their condition when treated with music therapy. Those who did not receive music therapy did not fare well compared to those treated.
Social interaction among the treated groups also improved and their intercommunication skills got better. Funding for the studies came from the Big Lottery Fund.
In the study, the young people were divided into two separate treatment groups. Out of 251 adolescents and children, 123 were chosen at random to undergo music therapy while the remaining 128 did not receive treatment.
The research study was conducted for more than three years, from March 2011 to May, 2014. The young subjects were known to have behavioral and emotional impairments, the criteria for their selection.
The head of the research study was Professor Sam Porter of Social Sciences and Social Work at Bournemouth University. He said that findings of the study was quite significant and should be considered as a basis for music therapy to be used as treatment for children with behavioral problems and depressive conditions.
When treating children with such emotional problems, health care workers should consider music therapy in conjunction with other treatments presently used. The research results will be provided to health authorities for their guidance and further study if needed.
Music has long been known as a medium to soothe the ailments of the depressed not only for young children but also for other age groups. It is only now that a study of this scale has been scientifically conducted on the subject.
