My research in long-term care has been published!
I would like to thank the participants of this study who generously and enthusiastically provided insights into their experience as younger adults in long-term care. From the first day of data collection, these individuals reinforced the great importance of this work while adding depth and humanity to the research. I am grateful to have been given access to their thoughts, ideas and stories. Please check out the link for the full article here:
The Experience of Music Therapy for Younger Adults in Long-Term Care: A Phenomenological Inquiry
Melanie Anne Keyes Doctor of Education, Counselling Psychology Graduate Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development University of Toronto 2022
Abstract This phenomenological inquiry seeks to understand the subjective experience of regular engagement in music therapy sessions for younger adults in long-term care (18 to 64 years). Although the benefits of music therapy have been linked with improved outcomes in social, emotional, communication, behaviour, and physiological functioning with a variety of client populations, the impact for younger residents in long-term care has not previously been explored. This population who differs greatly in age, and physical and cognitive abilities from their older counterparts in long-term care has scarcely been the focus of research and is not well understood. This study seeks to understand the needs, motivations, perceptions and experiences from the self- reported and subjective, lived experience of younger adults in long-term care. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, six participants revealed key themes while sharing their unique experiences in music therapy within the long-term care setting. The data generated from this research suggests several benefits of music therapy for this resident population, including social and emotional engagement and support, and the ability to inspire, provide meaning, access strengths, and provide a sense of escape. Results suggest that music therapy programming aligns with, and is able to provide the things that residents most value. It is hoped that these discoveries and insights may assist clinicians and policy makers in decisions about the nature of future therapeutic programs for this resident population.
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