A Pilot Study Investigating Research Design Feasibility Using Pre-post Measures to Test the Effect of Music Therapy in Psychiatry with People Diagnosed with Personality Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of the pilot study were (a) to investigate the feasibility of the research design (referral procedure, data collection procedure, measurement tools, and treatment doses/frequency); (b) to develop and evaluate the PROMT treatment manual; and (c) to test the use of flexible and or multiple interventions as part of the treatment options. Findings from this investigation aim to prepare for a future outcome study of music therapy treatments for patients with personality disorders, that are inspired by analytically oriented music psychotherapy and mentalization-based treatment.
 Methods: Four participants assessed and diagnosed with personality disorder received 40 sessions of individual music therapy. Pre and post measures of outcome variables looking at attachment style, helping alliance, symptom severity, interpersonal problems, and quality of life were evaluated for inclusion in the design. Interviews with clinicians were used to further evaluate the manual.
 Results: All participants completed treatment. Outcome measurement provided usable information and also showed some positive changes in the four cases. The research design was found to be usable for a larger study. The treatment manual was evaluated as usable, but specification on how to use mentalization-based treatment in music-based interventions is required in a future manual.
 Discussion: In light of the current findings, we discuss several factors relevant to a possible future outcome study, including the research design, theoretical model, and specific elements of the treatment manual. We also discuss the potential of using flexible and/or multiple interventions as part of the treatment options. We conclude that integration of mentalization-based treatment into music therapy seems promising, but further development of the treatment manual is needed.

Music therapist collaboration with teaching assistants for facilitating verbal and vocal development in young children with special needs: A mixed methods study

“…This type of research design has commonly been used in music therapy to assess effectiveness of the intervention (e.g. Oldfield et al, 2003, Hannibal et al, 2019). In this study, the changes are compared for the two interventions.…”

Tidal Model, Mindfulness, and Music Therapy to Minimize Exacerbations of Borderline Personality Disorder

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Music therapy for therapeutic development in personality disorders: A qualitative case study

“…MT is increasingly recognized as a promising treatment for people with PD (Hannibal, 2016; Odell‐Miller, 2011/2016; Plit [2012] in Foubert et al, 2020; Strehlow & Hannibal, 2019; Strehlow & Lindner, 2016) and it is mentioned in the Dutch multidisciplinary treatment guidelines for PD (FMS, Federatie Medisch Specialisten, 2022; Haeyen, 2022). Evidence of its efficacy remains limited, however, due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations.…”

“…The results, based on an existing data set, were similar to those of a group that received art therapy: reduced symptoms and increased functioning. At the same time, the authors reported that “for some clients MT was challenging” (Hannibal, 2016, p. 47). Hannibal et al (2019) used a pre–post design to assess process‐oriented MT ( N = 4).…”

“…At the same time, the authors reported that “for some clients MT was challenging” (Hannibal, 2016, p. 47). Hannibal et al (2019) used a pre–post design to assess process‐oriented MT ( N = 4). The results in this small sample were promising, indicating that the research design can be used in a larger study.…”