Music therapy helps boost self-esteem and reduce depression in young people, a new report has claimed.
A study by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast found that children and young people with music therapy had improved communication and interaction skills compared with those who did not.
Musical treatment was also found to significantly reduce depression in young people with behavioural problems.
Professor Sam Porter of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University, who led the research, said: 'This study is hugely significant in terms of determining effective treatments for children and young people with behavioural problems and mental health needs.'
Dr Valerie Holmes, Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences and co-researcher, added: 'This is the largest study ever to be carried out looking at music therapy’s ability to help this very vulnerable group, and is further evidence of how Queen’s University is advancing knowledge and changing lives.'
251 children and young people were involved in the study which took place between March 2011 and May 2014.
All were being treated for emotional, developmental or behavioural problems. Early findings suggest that the benefits are sustained in the long term.
A study by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast found that children and young people with music therapy had improved communication and interaction skills compared with those who did not.
Musical treatment was also found to significantly reduce depression in young people with behavioural problems.
Professor Sam Porter of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University, who led the research, said: 'This study is hugely significant in terms of determining effective treatments for children and young people with behavioural problems and mental health needs.'
Dr Valerie Holmes, Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences and co-researcher, added: 'This is the largest study ever to be carried out looking at music therapy’s ability to help this very vulnerable group, and is further evidence of how Queen’s University is advancing knowledge and changing lives.'
251 children and young people were involved in the study which took place between March 2011 and May 2014.
All were being treated for emotional, developmental or behavioural problems. Early findings suggest that the benefits are sustained in the long term.
