A theoretical framework and therapeutic songwriting protocol to promote integration of self-concept in people with acquired neurological injuries

Abstract

A positive self-concept after neurological injury is associated with enhanced quality of life and good mental health. Therefore, effective reconstruction of identity is heralded as an important goal of rehabilitation. We have developed and tested a songwriting protocol for people with acquired brain injury and/or spinal cord injury (SCI) that focuses on six domains of self-concept (physical, personal, social, family, academic/work, and moral). Over 12 music therapy sessions, people create three songs that reflect their perception of their past, present, and future selves. The therapeutic process of creating these songs aims to integrate residual components of the past self with that of the present injured self. This article outlines the theoretical foundations for the use of songwriting as a medium for change and describes the protocol in detail. We then present a case study of a man with SCI to illustrate the application of the protocol and the ensuing changes in self-concept.

Keywords:

• songwriting
• self-concept
• identity
• neurological
• rehabilitation
• music therapy

Additional information

Funding

The study was performed at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia. The development and testing of this songwriting protocol was funded by an Australia Research Council Future Fellowship FT100100022 and a University of Melbourne Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Notes on contributors

Jeanette Tamplin

Jeanette Tamplin, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow in Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She works as a music therapy clinician and researcher in the field of neurorehabilitation, with a particular interest in communication rehabilitation and emotional adjustment following traumatic injury. Email: [email protected]

Felicity A. Baker

Felicity A. Baker, PhD, is Associate Professor and Australia Research Council Future Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on building theory and increasing the evidence of the effectiveness of songwriting in enhancing the lives of people across the lifespan. Email: [email protected]

Raymond A.R. Macdonald

Raymond A.R. Macdonald, PhD, is Head of School and Professor of Music Psychology and Improvisation in the Reid School of Music at the University of Edinburgh, UK. His ongoing research focuses on issues relating to improvisation, musical communication, music health and well-being, music education, and musical identities. Email: [email protected]

Chantal Roddy

Chantal Roddy, B.Mus/B.Teach, BA (hons), is a doctor of psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology candidate at Monash University, Australia. Email: [email protected]

Nikki S. Rickard

Nikki Rickard, PhD, is Adjunct Associate Professor in Psychology at Monash University and Program Director of Psychology at Swinburne Online, Australia. Her research explores emotional processes underlying mental health and well-being, with particular interests in music listening and positive education. She is President of the Australian Music and Psychology Society and the Asia-Pacific Society of the Cognitive Sciences of Music, and co-editor-in-chief of Psychology of Well-Being. Email: [email protected]