Music Therapy and Selective Mutism- update 21/3/22
Our Director – Dr Kate Jones – completed her PhD in 2019 at Anglia Ruskin University on the use of Music Therapy for young children with Selective Mutism (SM). This research was motivated by her clinical experience of the positive benefits of Music Therapy for children with SM. The results of the research have now been published ‘open access’ -this means that anyone can read this- in the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy. The article is entitled:
A theoretical framework for the use of music therapy in the treatment of selective mutism in young children: multiple case study research
Abstract
Introduction: Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that affects some children when they begin school. If left untreated the long-term impact can include complex, debilitating mental health conditions. The usual presentation is lack of speech in the education setting, contrasting with confident speech at home. Prevalence is estimated at 0.7% but can be three times higher for children who are immigrant second language learners. There is some evidence to suggest that music therapy is helpful but a deeper understanding is needed. This study aims to develop a new theoretical framework for the use of music therapy for young children with SM.
Methods: The paper reports on multiple case study research of music therapy for 6 children with SM aged 3-5. Template analysis combining inductive and deductive enquiry is used to revise and develop the framework.
Results: The six case studies describe contrasting paths into speech. Four key domains – Approach; Therapeutic Process; Interconnected Elements of Music Therapy; Context – were necessary to clinical practice across cases, and are presented in detail in the final theoretical framework. Music therapists bring many useful skills, with musical communication established as an empowering tool for alleviating SM.
If you would like to read the full article this is the link:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08098131.2022.2028886
What next?
Kate is currently applying for funding for further research to create a manual for the treatment of Selective Mutism using Music Therapy. If successful this next project aims to gain further funding for a trial to test this treatment across a number of children with Selective Mutism.
For any questions about this research please contact Kate via email: musictherapylambeth@outlook.
If you would like to read a copy of Kate’s previous article, a single case study published in 2012 in the British Journal of Music Therapy, please email us and this can be sent to you as a PDF. Here is a summary PDF. Alternatively it is available to purchase from:
http://www.bamt.org/DB/past-journals/vol-26-no-2-2012.html
Kate has also published a chapter in the book ‘Tackling Selective Mutism’- Edited by Benita Rae-Smith and Alice Sluckin – published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
https://uk.jkp.com/products/tackling-selective-mutism
References
Jones, K (2012) ‘How intense is this silence? Developing a theoretical framework for the use of Psychodynamic Music Therapy in the treatment of Selective Mutism in Children with English as an additional language: A heuristic case study’ British Journal of Music Therapy 26(2) 15-28.
In June 2017 Kate Jones attended a reception at the house of commons to highlight the issue of Selective Mutism and the work of the UK based Selective Mutism charity, Selective Mutism Information and Research Association – SMIRA- to members of parliament.
Follow Us!