Music therapy and attachment relationships across the life span

Abstract

Attachment refers to the quality of relationships that humans form across their life span. In music therapy, a growing body of clinical work focusing on attachment is emerging. Because participation in music therapy can promote positive and meaningful interactions over time, it creates a context for developing healthy relationships. Drawing on insights afforded from the fields of psychology and social neuroscience, the purpose of this paper is to articulate an emerging conceptual model on how music therapy interventions may target attachment across the life span. By reviewing and synthesizing current literature, the author aims to expand theoretical underpinnings that inform the work of therapists. Music-based interventions create a context-fostering attachment by: (1) supporting parent co-regulation and mutual responsiveness, (2) rebuilding capacity to form or restore relationships, (3) reducing stress and mood disturbances, (4) supporting healthy partner interactions by enhancing communication skills, and (5) providing social support and building coping skills among families and individuals who are facing challenging life circumstances. The author organizes and interprets the information to outline different layers of prevention interventions and exemplify how music-based experiences may influence attachment relationships at different life stages.

Keywords:

• attachment
• relationships
• mutuality
• music therapy
• prevention

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Varvara Pasiali

Varvara Pasiali, PhD., MT-BC received a BA Honors in Music, from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. Subsequently, she worked as a public school music teacher and a freelance flute performer in Cyprus. In 2002, she completed her equivalency/Master’s degree in Music Therapy at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, she worked as a music therapist in private practice (Ohio, US) with children and families at-risk and at the Cleveland Music School Settlement (Cleveland, Ohio), where she conducted individual sessions. Also, she was subcontracted to work at BeechBrook, a residential treatment facility for children with socioemotional and mood disorders. She completed her PhD in Music Education with a cognate in Music Therapy at Michigan State in 2010. Currently, she is an assistant professor of music therapy at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her research interests include early intervention, prevention, resilience, and parent–child attachment/reciprocity. Dr Pasiali is a regular presenter at conferences and has published in various journals. She also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Music Therapy, and Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education.