‘‘Stop Cutting—Rock!’’: A Pilot Study of a Music Therapeutic Program for Self-Injuring Adolescents

Authors

  • Paul L. Plener MD
  • Thorsten Sukale
  • Andrea G. Ludolph MD, PD
  • Thomas Stegemann MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v2i1.234

Abstract

Abstract

Music and Medicine 2(1) 59-65 a The Author(s) 2010 Reprints and permission: http://www. sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1943862109356928 http://mmd.sagepub.com

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common phenomenon in adolescence. This pilot study blended elements of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) with music therapy to reduce NSSI in a project for self-injuring female adolescents (N 1⁄4 5; mean age: 14 years 8 months; age range: 14-16 years). Four out of the 5 female adolescents had stopped self-injuring at the end of the program, and the depression score declined. The program proved to be a feasible alternative in an outpatient setting, although severe suicidal ideation presented as a problem. Blending different therapeutic approaches might be an interesting way to tailor effective treatments for specific patient groups.

Keywords

nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), self-harm, music therapy, dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A), adolescents

Author Biographies

Paul L. Plener, MD

Paul L. Plener, MD, is currently working in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Ulm, Germany.

Thorsten Sukale

Thorsten Sukale works as a licensed music therapist in the Depart- ment of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Ulm, Germany.

Andrea G. Ludolph, MD, PD

Andrea G. Ludolph, MD, PD, is head of the outpatient department of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychother- apy at the University of Ulm, Germany.

Thomas Stegemann, MD

Thomas Stegemann, MD, is a medical doctor and licensed music therapist in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Hamburg, Germany, where he is consultant of the day treatment and inpatient wards.

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Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Full Length Articles