A theoretical framework and therapeutic songwriting protocol to promote integration of selfconcept in people with acquired neurological injuries

A theoretical framework and therapeutic songwriting protocol to promote integration of selfconcept in people with acquired neurological injuries' Nordic Journal of Music Therapy. General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Edinburgh Research Explorer is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. Take down policy The University of Edinburgh has made every reasonable effort to ensure that Edinburgh Research Explorer content complies with UK legislation. If you believe that the public display of this file breaches copyright please contact [email protected] providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Article title: A theoretical framework and therapeutic songwriting protocol to promote integration of self-concept in people with acquired neurological injuries Abstract A positive self-concept after neurological injury is associated with enhanced quality of life and good mental health. Therefore, effective reconstruction of identity is heralded as an important goal of rehabilitation. We have developed and tested a songwriting protocol for people with acquired brain injury and/or spinal cord injury that focuses on six domains of self-concept (physical, personal, social, family, academic/work and moral). Over 12 music therapy sessions, people create three songs that reflect their perception of their past, present and future selves. The therapeutic process of creating these songs aims to integrate residual components of the past self with that of the present injured self. This paper outlines the theoretical foundations for the use of songwriting as a medium for change and describes the protocol in detail. We then present a case study of a man with spinal cord injury to illustrate the application of the protocol and the ensuing changes in self-concept. Since the emergence of Neurologic Music Therapy as an evidence-based practice for people who have acquired or degenerative neurological conditions, there has been a notable increase in quality research, first began with a movement towards measuring music therapy's effect on functional outcomes (e. & Grocke, 2008). However, published studies that track the clinical methods and associated outcomes of music therapy interventions that address the psychological and emotional consequences of acquiring a brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI) are still lacking. This paper outlines a clinical protocol developed for a pilot study currently undergoing clinical testing as part of a long-term research agenda. …