Music therapy and anhedonia: A case study

Abstract

Anhedonia is a reduced ability to experience pleasure or enjoy everyday activities. It is a common symptom of many chronic and mental illnesses. This case study outlines a four-month music therapy program with one individual experiencing anhedonia. In this study, the authors investigated whether brief, daily, guided musicking activity would lead to increased anticipatory and consummatory pleasure for the case study participant. Analysis of numerical data supported this hypothesis. Subsequent analysis of descriptive data articulated key features of the action and experience of the guided musicking process for both the music therapy participant and guide. Findings from this study indicated that music within a therapeutic relationship supported positive outcomes in this case. Further research is needed to understand the potential impact of guided musicking activity for other people with anhedonia.