Parent–infant music courses in Iceland: perceived benefits and mental well-being of mothers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate how parent–infant music classes would benefit young mothers frequenting a support group for young mothers at a community centre in comparison to a group of older mothers. When the courses had terminated the mothers were interviewed in their homes and their singing confidence was assessed, as well as their alertness to their infants' musical behaviour. The mental well-being of the mothers was measured using the short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS).

The results indicated that the courses were perceived as beneficial to the mothers and the infants to a similar extent as to older mothers who regularly participate in such classes with their infants. The young mothers were as interested as the older mothers in their infants' musical development. Some indications of age-related differences were found in terms of attitudes towards maternal roles in the future music education of their children. No differences were found in the subjective well-being between the younger and older mothers. Both groups rated high on the SWEMWBS.

Keywords:

• musical parenting
• parent–infant music classes
• young motherhood
• mental well-being

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the professionals at ‘Hitt-Húsið’ in Reykjavík who work with young mothers and particular thanks to Prof. Lori Custodero at Columbia University, NYC, for helpful email correspondence.