A1 Journal article (refereed)
Promoting emotional skills in early adolescents with mental health conditions in music therapy : a content analysis of focus group interviews (2023)


Salokivi, M., Salantera, S., Saarikallio, S., & Ala-Ruona, E. (2023). Promoting emotional skills in early adolescents with mental health conditions in music therapy : a content analysis of focus group interviews. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 32(5), 423-444. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2023.2169336


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsSalokivi, Maija; Salantera, Sanna; Saarikallio, Suvi; Ala-Ruona, Esa

Journal or seriesNordic Journal of Music Therapy

ISSN0809-8131

eISSN1944-8260

Publication year2023

Publication date08/02/2023

Volume32

Issue number5

Pages range423-444

PublisherRoutledge

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2023.2169336

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85471


Abstract

Introduction: Music therapy is actively used with early adolescents in relation to their emotional skill development. Yet, the conceptualization of emotional skills is typically not systematically addressed in therapeutic practice. This study examined music therapists’ views on the progress of emotional skills when working with early adoles-cents with mental health conditions. The study also explored what kind of methods the therapists use with the target group, and the applicability of a previously pub-lished conceptual model.
Method: We conducted a deductive-inductive content analysis of transcripts from four focus group interviews among 13 professional music therapists.
Results: The therapists concluded that the progress of the emotional skills of their clients can be seen both in daily functioning as well as the client’s functioning in therapy. The selection of therapy methods was broad and included both music-based and non-music-based methods. Therapists considered the presented conceptualiza-tion of emotional skills to be valid, but had difficulty examining their practices using all levels of the model. Several practical features were identified that were considered beneficial for the therapists in clinical practice.
Discussion: This study adds to knowledge about the progress of emotional skill development, working methods, and useful perspectives for working on emotional skills in early adolescents with mental health conditions. The conceptual model of emotional skills can offer a tool for helping music therapists define, observe and analyse emotional skills in the therapy context.


Keywordsyoung peoplemusic therapygroup interviewsemotional skills

Free keywordsearly adolescents; music therapy methods; focus group interview; progress of emotional skills; inductive-deductive analysis


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2023

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 20:56