The effectiveness of a short-term group music therapy intervention for young parents and their children

摘要: The quality of early life experiences are known to influence a child’s capacities for emotional, social, cognitive and physical competence throughout their (Peterson, 1996; Zubrick et al., 2008). These directly affected by parenting family environments. A lack positive has significant implications both children, the broader communities in which they live (Davies & Cummings, 1994; Dryfoos, 1990; Sanders, 1995). Young parents be at risk experiencing adverse circumstances that affect ability provide children (Milan 2004; Trad, There is need support programs young offer opportunities them come together, each other learn ways children’s developmental needs friendly, engaging non-judgemental environment. This research project examines effectiveness 10 week group music therapy program Sing Grow as an intervention 535 parents. national funded Australian Government delivered Playgroup Queensland. It designed Registered Music Therapists families marginalisation with aged from birth three years. aim improve skills parent-child interactions, increase social networks through participation strengths-based structured way lends itself modelling, peer learning facilitated learning. During weeks have practical, hands-on interact play conducive relationships ongoing child development. range interactive, nurturing, stimulating activities framework children. uses data collected National Evaluation Study examine outcomes all participants 25 years younger, who attended during pilot study main mid-2005 end 2007. change pre post self-reported parent behaviours, mental health support, therapist observed interactions. statistical analyses used address Research Objective population, subgroups within this population. 1 explored patterns attendance parents, Results showed levels were lower than expected influenced Indigenous status source income. Patterns decline over time incomplete rates high may indicate dropout rates. 2 perceived satisfaction, benefits links made. Satisfaction staff very high. was associated reported satisfaction staff. Perceived Employment benefits: not employed more likely report understanding development had increased result program. Social connections professionals, services In particular, link up playgroup services. Those six or sessions significantly attend those five less. related income, level education, language background. 3 investigated on self-report health. indicated improvements No found skills. 4 observation measures large sensitivity to, engagement acceptance child. interactions across (pre post) characteristics status, income education. 5 relationship between number extent outcomes, respectively. For each, overall score devised ascertain made any changes time. there no either behavioural measures. index also constructed test parent. Parents highest but differences observations. results effective improving parents’ health, connections. High category factors retaining most at-risk therefore traditionally hard reach. Very this. Further required help confirm promising evidence current short term can outcomes. disappointing especially