| Abstract [eng] |
The subject of the research: The Songwriting Method and the Prerequisites for its Application in Prenatal Music Therapy. During the prenatal period, it is particularly important to pay attention to the emotional state of the expectant mother and to increasingly expand the field of interventions that respond to such needs. The psychosocial needs of the mother-to-be mother are addressed by prenatal music therapy and its songwriting method. The objective of the research – to investigate the experience of using the songwriting method in group music therapy for pregnant women. Respondents. Study sample: 4 participants. Inclusion criteria: 1) More than 19 weeks pregnant; 2) Participation in three group prenatal music sessions (session duration - 60 minutes) and attempt at the songwriting method; 3) Signing a consent form to participate in the study. Methodology of the research. The qualitative research consisted of a literature review, the process analysis of song writing during the music therapy sessions and an empirical study. The data for the empirical study were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis method, and the peculiarities of the songwriting process were revealed using the case study method. The detailed literature analysis and the process analysis of song writing during the music therapy sessions were carried out after the data from the empirical study had been organised. Results of the empirical research. The songwriting method used in prenatal music therapy strengthened the bond between the expectant mother and her baby, by allowing her to focus on her feelings and thoughts about him, and dedicating time to communicate with infant. Important aspects of the women's experience emerged: relaxation, both emotional and physical, allowing them to be in the "here and now" state, to calm down; the awareness, acceptance, and release of emotions through the experience of songwriting; the need to communicate and to create a community of women, a "sisterhood". The aspect of creativity unfolding in the therapeutic activity also emerged: the experience from the sessions was carried over into the relationships with the relatives, especially with men, and encouraged them to engage in musical and creative activities together, strengthening the mutual relationship. The research subjects benefited from various activities during therapy when other therapeutic interventions were included in the songwriting process, such as relaxation, exploration of the possibilities of musical instruments, creative writing, melody improvisation exercises, and musical improvisation games, which particularly strengthened the group bond. The participants expressed the need for wider dissemination of prenatal music therapy and cooperation amongst health care institutions to be able to refer women for prenatal music therapy services. Based on the empirical data obtained from the study, the analysis of the songwriting process developed during the music therapy session and the analysis of the literature, guidelines for a prenatal music therapy programme for music therapists working with pregnant women were developed. |
