Projects per year
Abstract
Objectives: This pilot study examined how 15 participants in early rehabilitation described their self-composed Songs 6-to 12-months following participation in a 6-week identity-focused songwriting program. Specific focus was given to the process of meaning making and identity reconstruction in the participants' self-composed songs. Methods: Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews (n = 15) and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings were developed idiographically as super-ordinate themes unique to each participant, then analyzed across cases to identify recurrent themes and subthemes. Results: Participants described the songwriting process as taking them through one of four distinct recovery journeys described by individuals following acquired neurodisability who underwent a focused therapeutic songwriting program. These included (1) re-conceptualizing values and shifting perspectives about self (my body is broken but my mind has been set free); (2) recognizing acquired inner resources to negotiate discrepancies in self (hope is there); (3) confirming existing values and identifying resources and coping strategies (I have what I need to move forward); (4) confirming previously held values and ongoing process of negotiating discrepancies in self (I don't yet have the answers). Conclusion: The current study provides insight into the nature and process of meaning making and recovery journeys perceived by individuals with neurodisability. Our findings suggest that songwriting could be a therapeutic tool to facilitate identity reconstruction in neurorehabilitation.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1422 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
Volume | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- Acquired brain injury
- Identity
- Meaning making
- Music therapy
- Recovery journey
- Selfconcept
- Songwriting
- Spinal cord injuries
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Therapeutic songwriting, neurodisability, and identity
Rickard, N., Baker, F. A., Ponsford, J., MacDonald, R. & Tamplin, J.
Australian Research Council (ARC)
1/01/15 → 31/12/17
Project: Research