Examining music as a therapy for complex needs and offending behaviour

This study utilised the rapid evidence assessment (REA) approach to collect and assess the current data pertaining to music as a therapy for complex needs and offending behaviour. Within the REA this study used a thematic analysis as the analytical framework to manage and explore the wealth of data collected during the REA. Findings The results of this study are presented in two parts – first, the application of music as a therapy for complex needs and second, music as a therapy for offending behaviour. These two sections explore music therapy as an effective intervention method for offending behaviour and/or complex needs. Psychopathy as a complex need is a subsidiary theme th at is also investigated within this section. Research limitations/implications To present music as a therapy as an effective method of therapy and intervention for those with offending behaviour and/or complex needs, thus, leading to further research in the field. Practical implications To incor porate music therapy into working with offending behaviour; to incorporate music therapy into interventions for those with complex needs, such as psychopaths; to recognise a need for developing innovative approaches/methods to address gaps in treatment; and to recognise music therapy’s potential a s a programme utilised alongside cognitive-behavioural therapy. Originality/value There has been a significant amount of academic attention given to researching music as an effective therapy for select groups ...
Source: Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice - Category: Criminology Source Type: research