A Scoping Review of Music Therapy Interventions That Foster Hope

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Music Therapy

Background:

• Rising mental illness incidence underscores the importance of hope in healthcare.
• Hope is a critical protective factor in suicide prevention.
• Music therapists support vulnerable populations with diverse challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review synthesizing music therapy literature on hope.
• To identify music-based interventions targeting hope as an outcome in adults.
• To establish a foundation for future research in music therapy and hope.

Main Methods:

• Searched databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, etc.) for peer-reviewed studies (1950-2023).
• Used keywords: "music therapy" and hope.
• Included studies with adults, music-based interventions, targeting hope, and music therapists.

Main Results:

• Nine studies were included for data extraction (5 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, 1 quantitative).
• Qualitative themes from studies align with existing hope theories.
• Music-based interventions targeting hope show potential in music therapy.

Conclusions:

• Music therapy interventions targeting hope demonstrate promise.
• Further research is needed to establish hope as a foundational element in music therapy.
• This review serves as a first step in a research agenda for music therapy and hope.