Music therapy as a protection strategy against toxic stress for Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon: A pilot research study

Authors

  • Deborah Parker Associazione Prima Materia, Italy
  • Liliane Younes National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training, Lebanon
  • Mohamad Orabi National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training, Lebanon
  • Simon Procter Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, United Kingdom
  • Milena Paulini Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56883/aijmt.2023.88

Keywords:

clinical music therapy, Palestinian refugee children, toxic stress, case series research

Abstract

This article presents a mixed methods pilot research study evaluating the impact of music therapy on the emotional and social functioning of Palestinian refugee children from Lebanon aged 7-11. The research aim was to verify the hypothesis that music therapy is an effective therapeutic method in lowering anxiety levels in children suffering from the effects of stress and trauma, and in strengthening their self-esteem and sense of agency, thus contributing to the development of their resilience. The specific geo-political and social contexts are explained, comparable studies considered, and data collection strategies outlined. Narrative data from music therapists is analysed thematically, complementing analysis of statistical data captured using standardised clinical evaluation measures. Findings indicating that music therapy had a positive effect on the children’s emotional and social functioning are discussed as part of a broader reflection on possible future developments.

Author Biographies

Deborah Parker, Associazione Prima Materia, Italy

Deborah Parker is a British music therapist and music education specialist. Based in Tuscany (Italy), she is didactic and music therapy coordinator for the community-based organisation Associazione Prima Materia, and project coordinator for “Music and Resilience”, an international cooperation project for the development of music-based resources for the Palestinian refugee community of Lebanon. [info@primamateria.it]

Liliane Younes, National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training, Lebanon

Liliane Younes is a Lebanese clinical psychologist and music therapist working for the Palestinian NGO, National Institution for Social care and Vocational Training (NISCVT), in Beirut (Lebanon)[fgc.mental.health@gmail.com]

Mohamad Orabi, National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training, Lebanon

Mohamad Orabi is a Palestinian psychologist and music therapist, member of the Palestinian refugee community of Lebanon, who works in the NISCVT mental health centre in Sidon (Lebanon). [mohammedarrabi@hotmail.com] 

Simon Procter, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, United Kingdom

Simon Procter is Director of Music Services (education, research and public affairs) at Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy London. [simon.procter@nordoff-robbins.org.uk]

Milena Paulini, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, United Kingdom

Milena Paulini is a German music therapist who worked as research assistant for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy London from 2019-2020. [milena.paulini@nordoff-robbins.org.uk]

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Published

2021-05-10

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Section

Articles