Efficacy of Music Therapy and Bibliotherapy as Interventions in the Treatment of Children with EBD: A Literature Review

Raol J Taft, Jannah L. Hotchkiss, Daesik Lee

Abstract


Expressive arts therapies are commonly used in the treatment of children with disabilities. Two forms of art therapies often recommended to address issues of self–esteem and challenging behaviours are music therapy and bibliotherapy. The purpose of this review is to investigate the literature on the effectiveness of music therapy and bibliotherapy as interventions for students with emotional behaviour disorders (EBD) and challenging behaviours. Eleven studies published in articles involving 523 students in three countries met criteria for inclusion. Results from five studies suggested group music therapy had minimal to no impact on self-esteem or aggression of students with behaviour problems. However, one group music therapy study indicated statistically significant improvement in students’ negative self-evaluation, depression, and anger. Data from five studies using bibliotherapy as an intervention in group and individual therapy sessions suggested an increase in self-concept and a decrease in aggression of students with challenging behaviours. Findings from this review indicate a paucity of empirical research in this area and a need for further research on the effectiveness therapies in the treatment of children with challenging behaviours.


Keywords


bibliotherapy, music therapy, emotional behaviour disturbance, EBD

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References


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