Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9314-4393

Date Available

3-3-2020

Year of Publication

2020

Degree Name

Master of Music (MM)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Fine Arts

Department/School/Program

Music

First Advisor

Dr. Olivia Yinger

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are considered a serious public health problem and can lead to complex trauma. Due to the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in the general population, it is likely music therapists frequently treat clients who have experienced trauma; however, there appears to be no published research on music therapy training and education regarding validated trauma-informed approaches. This study examined the impact of a three-hour educational training on music therapists’ knowledge of trauma-informed care and perceptions of preparedness to practice trauma-informed music therapy. Seven training attendees chose to participate and completed a pre-test and post-test covering demographic information, knowledge, perceptions, education, and feedback. Data were statistically and descriptively analyzed and reported. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge from pre- to post-test. Participants’ perceptions of their ability to practice trauma-informed music therapy were significantly higher on four test items. These results suggest that this training may have a positive influence on music therapists’ knowledge of trauma-informed care and perceptions of preparedness to practice trauma-informed music therapy. Future researchers should replicate the study with a larger sample and examine how music therapists apply information on trauma-informed care in practice.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2020.059

Funding Information

Funding provided by the University of Kentucky College of Music Research/Travel grant. Grant funding awarded May-December 2019.

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