A Structural Analysis of Variables Influencing Music Therapy Outcomes

Abstract

In order to identify variables affecting music therapy outcomes and the relationships among them, the investigators emailed a survey to 328 music therapists who were members of the Korean Music Therapy Association. Results were: (1) One may categorize variables affecting music therapy outcomes in relation to (a) the music therapist (b) the client, and (c) the music. (2) The music therapist's attitude was shown to be the most important variable affecting music therapy outcomes. (3) Music activities which were focused on client's need affect music therapy outcomes directly. (4) The client’s functional skills do not affect music therapy outcomes. However, the client’s attitudes such as preference, emotional bond with the therapist, and degree of participation, affect music therapy outcomes. Overall, the study’s findings suggest that it is important to improve the therapist's attitudes, such as therapeutic alliance, positive emotion, and the therapist's professionalism in order to promote the effectiveness of music therapy.