The function of music therapy in the transformation of role identities for clients who have been in paediatric palliative care for an extended period of time

Abstract

This qualitative research study explored the function of music therapy in the transformation of role identities for clients who had been in paediatric palliative care for an extended period of time. This study aimed to explore the value of music therapy in this transformation, as well as within the context of paediatric palliative care in South Africa. The research took place at a paediatric oncology unit at a local Cape Town Hospital where three participants were selected to receive music therapy sessions over a period of eight weeks. The session notes were analysed and six video excerpts were selected. Through the use of thematic analysis and coding hierarchies four themes (or “role palettes”) emerged from the data: the sick role palette, the mastery role palette, the resilient role palette and the theme of mutuality. It appeared that music therapy could have been a facilitator in the process of a shifting in role palettes.