Voice movement therapy: evaluation of a group-based expressive arts therapy for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults

Authors

Sophie Martin, University Of Wollongong
Graham Martin, The University Of QueenslandFollow
Belinda Lequertier, The University Of Queensland
Sarah Swannell, The University Of Queensland
Anna Follent, The University Of Queensland
Florence Choe, The University Of Queensland

RIS ID

90476

Publication Details

Martin, S., Martin, G., Lequertier, B., Swannell, S., Follent, A. and Choe, F. "Voice movement therapy: evaluation of a group-based expressive arts therapy for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults." Music and Medicine 5 .1 (2013): 31-38.

Abstract

Effective and proven approaches for engaging and assisting young people who self-injure are yet to be established. The current study presents findings from 4 pilot trials of voice movement therapy (VMT) in addition to “treatment as usual.” Nineteen young women (mean age 20 years 3 months, range 16-25 years) completed 10 weekly group therapy sessions and a follow-up booster session. At posttreatment, there were statistically significant improvements in emotion regulation, alexithymia, self-esteem, anxiety, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction, and a nonsignificant trend for reduced depression and self-injury. All improvements were maintained at 8 to 10 weeks of follow-up. Results suggest VMT is an acceptable and promising adjunctive therapy for young adults who self-injure.