Date of Award
5-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College/School
College of the Arts
Department/Program
John J. Cali School of Music
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Brian Abrams
Committee Member
John Carpente
Committee Member
Molly Griest
Abstract
Mental illness in the United States affects approximately 9.6 million adults, or 4.1% of the population (NIMH, 2014). Thought disorders are most often associated with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, but can be present in other forms of mental illness, as well. Traditionally, the term thought disorder is defined as a disorder of cognitive organization in form and content, as indicated by disordered speech, delusions, disturbed sense of self, and abnormal psychomotor behavior (APA, 2013). The current methods of assessment primarily rely on the patients’ verbal language, however the literature indicates that there are limits to confining understanding to the verbal domain.
Based upon the literature, the construct of thought can largely be understood in terms of the interplay among the constructs of temporality, affect, and relationship, thus suggesting an expansion of the definition of thought disorder from “a disorder of cognitive organization” to “a disorder of being.” As such, it is proposed that this is better assessed through music rather than through the traditional modality of spoken language.
The purpose of this study is to establish foundations for a system of music therapy assessment, and concomitant treatment, for adults with thought disorders. In this thesis, related literature, theoretical foundations, case illustrations, and practical implications will be explored.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Miller, Kaitlin Elizabeth, "Establishing Foundations for the Development of a Music-Centered Music Therapy Assessment for Adults with Thought Disorders" (2016). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 546.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/546