Adjusting to change through song: Themes in songs written by clients with traumatic brain injury

The study aimed to identify themes in songs written by clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Lyrics (1834) from 82 songs written by 11 female and 21 male clients aged between 5 and 60 years were categorised into 8 main themes and 24 subcategories. Incidence of subcategories and themes were calculated. Self-reflections and messages were the most frequent themes portrayed within songs. Memories and reflections about significant others were also frequently communicated. It was noticeable that clients felt safer to communicate thoughts and feelings about the past and present but were less inclined to confront the future.

Themes in songs written by clients with traumatic brain injury: Differences across the Lifespan

This study aimed to identify age differences in the themes of songs written by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Lyrics from 82 songs written by 11 female and 20 male patients aged between 5 and 60 years were categorised into eight themes and 24 categories. Incidence of categories and themes were calculated and compared across six age brackets. Results suggest that children, early adolescent, and middle adolescent patients with TBI focus on memories to a substantially greater degree than older patients. Early and late adolescent patient groups are most likely to be self-reflective, and to raise concerns about the future, when compared with other patient groups. (author abstract)

A retrospective lyrical analysis of songs written by adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Song-writing plays a central role in music therapy with adolescents. A retrospective lyrical analysis of songs written by adolescents with anorexia nervosa was undertaken in order to identify common themes solicited through song-writing interventions. Fifteen participants contributed 17 songs, from which 368 lyrical units were identified. A modified content analysis approach was used with each lyrical unit being categorised to one of six themes determined from the literature and clinical experience. The theme of 'identity' was used most frequently (28%), with the sub-theme of 'exploring new behaviours, positive self-talk' being addressed most often (12.5% of total). The dominance of the developmentally important theme of 'identity' may reflect the relationship between adolescents, music and identity or may be related to the way in which anorexia nervosa has been theorised to assist the adolescent in managing challenges to the emerging sense of self. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.