Group music therapy techniques employing song as psychosocial and emotional support for pregnant adolescents

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the role that music therapy with a focus on song techniques played in providing psychosocial and emotional support to pregnant school-going adolescents. The song techniques used were song discussion and song writing. There were two participants who took part in the group music therapy sessions with their written assent. Through thematic analysis, results showed that the participants felt an enhanced experience of safety through containment and acceptance. They felt they were offered opportunities to reflect on their experiences and lyrics articulated their emotions and thoughts on their behalf. They also felt they gained some coping strategies, developed resilience, had changes in perceptions and an increased hope for the future. However, as the techniques relied on verbal processing, they experienced difficulties in verbalising ideas.