The journal Advances in Mind-Body Medicine published in its June issue an article on research done by neurologist Barry Bittman on the benefits of music making on psychologically disturbed children.
The research was conducted at the Bethesda Children's Home, an organization in Pennsylvania servicing children who are psychologically disturbed.
Funded by the NAMM Foundation, the research showed that recreational music making (RMM) can help disturbed children behave better toward others, improve their self-esteem and schoolwork performance, and reduce interpersonal problems.
"This study is the first of its kind using music as a catalyst for non-verbal and verbal disclosure leading to improved quality of life for troubled at-risk youth," said Bittman in the NAMM Foundation’s press release.
According to the NAMM Foundation, 52 adolescents were tested in groups of six to twelve. Each group was tested for six weeks, and a facilitator guided them in playing percussion instruments and an electronic keyboard while “focusing on issues such as self-esteem, tolerance, dealing with grief and loss, anger management and conflict resolution.”
Participants were then asked to write about their change. For example, they would be asked to finish the sentence beginning with "When I recall the person I was at the first drum session, and I think of myself now, I realize…" The following are two responses from the subjects:
"That even though I have been through so much, I am capable to do anything that I put my mind to. I know that I'm not a failure. I am smart, pretty and nice with a lot of confidence."
"I should not treat everyone with hatred. I can forgive and I know someone loves me. It's okay to cry. I know the choices I make will lead me to my destiny. I know I'm someone now."
The NAMM Foundation explains that the children can express their feelings non-verbally through music making, which is essential for them to think more positively. "This research represents a meaningful step toward enabling adolescents to build self-control, self-esteem, respect, empathy and tolerance for others," Bittman said. He adds that the RMM approach is a more effective and affordable treatment than current approaches.
According to the NAMM Foundation, previous studies have shown that music making can improve mood states and reduce the impact of stress, and Bittman has found that a specific group drumming approach (HealthRhythms protocol) can increase the disease fighting activity of white blood cells.