Intergenerational Music Therapy: Effects on Literacy, Physical Functioning, Self-Worth, and Interactions

ABSTRACT

Intergenerational programs are becoming increasingly common, yet little data exists on programs involving young children and older adults. The purpose of this randomized-controlled trial was to identify the effects of an intergenerational music therapy program on children’s literacy, older adults’ physical functioning and self-worth, and interactions between the two age groups. Participants were three- and four-year-old children and older adults aged 72–98. Results indicate positive trends in nearly every dependent variable studied and a statistically significant positive outcome for the interaction between children and adults. Additionally, interviews of the older adults’ perception of the program revealed six positive themes.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational
• music therapy
• young children
• older adults

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Bailey Carter for co-leading sessions; University of Louisville students and music therapy interns Madison Whelan, Holly Hankin, Alex Ruffner, Samantha Hinson, Kelsey Norris, Kristy Klaben, Erin Shina, Colleen McDonald, Hannah Smith, Amy Kozerski, and students of the MUTH 302-17 course for their research assistance; Dr. Nicole Rivera for performing the external audit; the staff and families at University of Louisville’s Early Learning Campus and Sunrise Senior Living for their support and participation; and the University of Louisville’s School of Music particularly Dean Christopher Doane, University of Louisville’s Get Healthy Now Network, Carmichael’s Bookstore, and West Music for their equipment and material donations.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. For the purposes of this study, the authors define music therapy using the American Music Therapy Association’s® 2019 definition: “Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.”