The Use of Music Therapy to Influence the Self-Confidence and Hostility of Adolescents Who are Sexually Abused

Author

Joy Clendenon-Wallen

Date of Award

4-1993

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

Music

First Advisor

Dr. Brian L. Wilson

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary Scovel

Third Advisor

Dr. Susan Caringella-MacDonald

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether music therapy would be an effective therapeutic medium for reducing hostility and increasing the self-confidence of sexually abused adolescents. The study utilized an experimental and control group which is unique in the sexual abuse literature. Most studies are descriptive or quasi-experimental in nature. Some of the subjects increased their self-confidence and decreased their hostility although no statistical significance was achieved for either group. This study describes the treatment problems of sexually abused adolescents and offers examples of non-confrontational and goal directed treatment strategies which can be achieved through music therapy. Music therapy appears to be an effective therapeutic medium for use with adolescents since it is an important part of the adolescent peer culture. Music evokes feelings and facilitates the expression of feelings and disclosure which is important in the treatment of sexual abuse.

Comments

Uploaded by permission of the author November 2011. PDF from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.

Recommended Citation

Clendenon-Wallen, Joy, "The Use of Music Therapy to Influence the Self-Confidence and Hostility of Adolescents Who are Sexually Abused" (1993). Masters Theses. 2.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/2