Music therapists’ perspectives on nature-connecting methods and the integration of nature in music therapy: Results of a survey among German and Austrian music therapists
Eric Pfeifer , Sandra Elisabeth Aigner , Christine Stolterfoth , Rachel Dale , Thomas Ostermann , Thomas Probst , Elke Humer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Nature- and ecology-related topics are currently gaining increasing attention in healthcare and among healthcare professions. In music therapy, nature, nature-assisted approaches, and ecology have not yet been frequently discussed issues. Only few concepts and approaches have been developed and implemented so far. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey to gain more knowledge about music therapists’ perspectives concerning the implementation of nature and nature-connecting methods in music therapy. A total of N = 84 music therapists from Austria and Germany took part in our investigation. The survey included quantitative and qualitative items. For data analysis, we applied SPSS Statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results show that 75 % of the participating music therapists have never or rarely conducted music therapy in nature so far. However, almost 67 % of them estimated the potentials of integrating nature in music-therapy work to be (very) high. The more pronounced the nature connectedness and openness to experience, the higher the music therapists’ assessments of the potentials of nature in music therapy. Music therapists judged music therapy in nature to enhance the therapists’ diagnostic insights and listening to nature sounds to positively affect clients’ well-being. As for potential risks, heightened distraction and confidentiality breaks were ranked highest. These findings offer preliminary insights into music therapists’ attitudes and experiences concerning the integration of nature and nature-assisted methods in music therapy. Further studies are indicated to expand and deepen limited evidence.
期刊介绍:
The Arts in Psychotherapy is a dynamic, contemporary journal publishing evidence-based research, expert opinion, theoretical positions, and case material on a wide range of topics intersecting the fields of mental health and creative arts therapies. It is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing 5 issues annually. Papers are welcomed from researchers and practitioners in the fields of art, dance/movement, drama, music, and poetry psychotherapy, as well as expressive and creative arts therapy, neuroscience, psychiatry, education, allied health, and psychology that aim to engage high level theoretical concepts with the rigor of professional practice. The journal welcomes contributions that present new and emergent knowledge about the role of the arts in healthcare, and engage a critical discourse relevant to an international readership that can inform the development of new services and the refinement of existing policies and practices. There is no restriction on research methods and review papers are welcome. From time to time the journal publishes special issues on topics warranting a distinctive focus relevant to the stated goals and scope of the publication.