Improvisation-based music therapy interventions for the treatment of aggression in adolescents and adults – a scoping review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24228117 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Andreas Nollet (LUCA School of Arts), Jos De Backer (0000-0003-0456-9109, LUCA School of Arts), Katrien Foubert (0000-0003-4688-6620, LUCA School of Arts) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-28 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-22 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Nordisk Tidsskrift for Musikkterapi (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0803-9828 • E-ISSN: 1944-8260 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08098131.2026.2665843 |
| OpenAlex | W7162146317 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 49 |
Introduction While the past decades have seen growing interest in the use of music therapy improvisation (MTI) for the treatment of aggression, the literature remains fragmented. This scoping review provides an overview of existing MTI interventions for aggression treatment in adolescents and adults, with the aim of supporting further research and clinical work.Method This scoping review followed the steps outlined by the JBI Manual of Evidence Synthesis. Data were charted using an iterative inductive approach and interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis.Results The final selection of sources consisted of 26 publications from which the relevant intervention components were mapped. Thematic analysis led to five final themes: (1) Engagement is everything, MTI is engaging; (2) Music offers a safe environment to confront the destructive nature of aggression; (3) Embodiment and orientation to action; (4) Improvisation is structuring; and (5) MTI exists between the individual and interpersonal. These themes cover the wide array of intervention components as they relate to the specific phenomenon of aggression.Discussion Findings suggest that MTI specifically shows promise in treating aggression in varied populations and clinical settings. Recommendations are made for clinical practice and further research, specifically regarding clarity in the reporting of interventions and the need for specific definitions of interventions and aggression.
Adolescents · adults · Aggression · aggression treatment · clinical guidelines · Embodiment · engagement · Interpersonal interaction · intervention components · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Music Education and Analysis · Music Therapy and Health
JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis
Classification for Effective Rehabilitation
Thematic Analysis
Scoping studies
Human Aggression
The use of group drumming-based music therapy with male adolescents in a school violence prevention program in Korea
DrumPower – music for a better community in the classroom
Into the groove of an alternative masculinity
The affective basis of violence
Improvisation
Scoping studies
Music and Psychosis
Music to counter violence
The usefulness of aggression as explored by becoming-teenagers in group music therapy
A musical improvisation framework for Shaping Interpersonal Trust
Prevention of violence through music
Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions
Musical Elicitation Methods
| Highly cited | No |
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