Effectiveness of music-based therapy on adolescents and children with physical and mental health problems. A systematic review

Abstract

Music-based therapy (MT) has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing the physical and mental health challenges faced by adolescents and children. Several studies in the past have found the profound impact of music-based therapy on the well-being of people having physical and Mental health problems. This systematic review aimed to review key studies conducted in the recent past highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of music-based interventions. The study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting this review. Fourteen (14) studies were extracted from the literature for this systematic review. The study synthesizes the theoretical frameworks and delivery approaches adopted in the selected studies. Most studies reported significant and positive effects of music-based interventions on participants’ physical and mental health. The active music-based therapy approach produces positive outcomes among the participants more effectively. However, most studies neglect the long-term effects of music-based therapy intervention on physical and mental health and focus only on the short-term outcomes of the interventions. The recommendations and implications of this study are extensively discussed.