Being a teenager is tough, especially when school stress piles up. This stress can really affect how teenagers feel about themselves and low self-esteem can make things even harder for them. Feeling bad about themselves can lead to other problems like feeling anxious or sad, however, researchers wanted to see how music therapy could make a difference. Music therapy focuses on the elements and power of music to help reduce stress and boost self-esteem.
Researchers examined how music listening could help teenagers feel better about themselves, especially when they’re stressed out about school. They wanted to see if music therapy could improve their self-esteem. They selected 60 teenagers who were stressed about school and stated they felt bad about themselves. They divided them into two groups: one group got music therapy for 15 days, and the other did not.
The type of music the teens listened to during the therapy sessions varied based on their preferences. Incorporating the teens’ preferences into the music therapy sessions holds significant implications for their overall experience and therapeutic outcomes. By allowing teens to choose the type of music they enjoy, therapists create a more personalized and engaging environment for the sessions. When teens listen to music they love, it can evoke positive emotions, increase their sense of comfort, and enhance their receptiveness to therapy. This personalization fosters a stronger connection between the individual and the therapeutic process, ultimately leading to more effective outcomes. Moreover, empowering teens to express their musical preferences reinforces their autonomy and agency in their own mental health journey. It encourages active participation and engagement, instilling a sense of ownership over their well-being.
Before and after the therapy, they asked the teenagers how they felt about themselves using questionnaires. Results revealed that 15 days of music therapy, teenagers felt better about themselves compared to before the therapy and compared to those who didn’t have the therapy.
Music listening can be a great way for teenagers to improve their self-esteem, especially when school stress gets them down. This study highlighted the importance of finding new ways to support teenagers’ mental well-being. Moving forward, more research can explore how music therapy can be used to help teenagers overcome challenges and feel more confident in themselves.
For more information on music therapy, visit our website at www.centralohiomusictherapy.com or the American Music Therapy Association’s website at www.musictherapy.org.
Sharma, M., & Jagdev, T. (2012). Use of Music Therapy for Enhancing Self-esteem among Academically Stressed Adolescents. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 27(1), 53-64.
Kayla Stubblefield, MT-BC
Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC