| Abstract [eng] |
Background: According to the World Health Organization (World Mental Health Report, 2022), the prevalence of mental health disorders in society has been increasing in recent years, yet the response to these challenges remains inadequate. Depression and anxiety disorders often negatively impact a person’s social functioning—self-confidence and trust in others diminish, social isolation and feelings of loneliness intensify, and forming interpersonal relationships and experiencing a sense of community become more difficult (Lee, 2024; Tuastad et al., 2023). Therefore, it is important to seek interventions that would not only help reduce symptoms but also restore a person’s social connections and sense of community. Active group music therapy methods can promote the formation of interpersonal bonds, trust, cooperation, and social engagement; therefore, this therapy can be a significant tool for the psychosocial rehabilitation of individuals. This study analyzes the impact of group music therapy in a day-care setting on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships among clients, their social engagement, and the development of a sense of community. Research aim: to research the potential of active music therapy methods to influence changes in musical interaction and interpersonal relationships among members of a day hospital group. Research Objectives: 1. To review the scientific literature on depression and anxiety disorders; to examine the impact of symptoms on the social lives of people experiencing these disorders. 2. To explore the possibilities and potential of music therapy in improving the mental health of day hospital clients. 3. To explore the participants’ experiences of changes in interpersonal relationships during music therapy sessions. 4. To identify music therapy methods that promote the strengthening of interpersonal relationships among the study group for their psychosocial rehabilitation. Research methods: A mixed-methods study (N = 7) was conducted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative part involved a focus group, the data from which were analyzed using a thematic analysis strategy. The quantitative part consisted of a questionnaire survey using the Group Cohesion Scale. Data collection was supplemented by observation and consultations with a practice mentor. Results: 1. The results of the study showed that active music therapy methods had a positive effect on group cohesion and the strengthening of interpersonal relationships. 2. The greatest positive change was observed during drumming and visual-musical improvisation sessions. 3. The music therapy process most significantly strengthened the sense of belonging to the group, mutual closeness, trust, and the group’s openness. 4. Focus group and observation data revealed that making music together encouraged emotional openness, collaboration, spontaneous communication, and the creation of a safer group atmosphere. 5. Study participants experienced the music therapy group as a space where they could feel more accepted, heard, and emotionally connected to other group members. Conclusions: 1. Active music therapy methods can be an effective tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and group cohesion among day hospital clients. 2. Rhythmic, improvisational, and collective music-making activities promote emotional openness, cooperation, and a sense of belonging to the group. 3. Music therapy can contribute to improving social functioning and the psychosocial rehabilitation process. 4. The study highlights the need for further music therapy research with a larger sample size in the context of mental health care. Keywords: group music therapy, improvisation, depression, anxiety, group cohesion, interpersonal relationships, social functioning, day treatment center, psychosocial rehabilitation. |
