The Effects of Musical Activity on the Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy of Patients With Schizophrenia: A Cultural Study in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Studies into the effects of therapeutic music making in the treatment of mental illness have increased dramatically in the last decade, but there still remains a dearth of research into its effects in developing countries such as India. Of particular importance in India, where the stigma associated with mental illness is still prominent, is low self-esteem and self-efficacy in people with disorders such as schizophrenia. Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the views of the participants on the effects of musical activity, at a psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation center in India. Five main themes were interpreted from interview transcripts: therapy, moti- vation, mood, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, suggesting that the patients find the sessions to be therapeutic overall, including in the areas of self-esteem and self-efficacy.