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Priming for flow states through engagement within music therapy improvisation
Thesis   Open access

Priming for flow states through engagement within music therapy improvisation

Bonnie Rose Eccles
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
May 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D8K08Q
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Abstract

Music therapy Improvisation (Music)
The purpose of this thesis is to develop a method to promote flow states in patients in an inpatient psychiatric hospital through group music making. Relevant literature will be reviewed to inform and provide context for the method. The reviewed literature includes an overview of everyday issues associated with depression on quality of life, common practice in the treatment of depression, an introduction to positive psychotherapy, defining characteristics of flow states, benefits of frequently reaching and sustaining flow states, common music therapy practice, music eliciting flow, and flow within the context of music therapy. With the elements of flow in mind, this method was developed to promote complete immersion during group improvisation in order to exploit the benefits of engagement in the intrinsically rewarding experience that group improvisation can be. These benefits include self-growth, a greater sense of connection with the group or to oneself, and increases in subjective well-being, while accessing individuals' internal areas of health and strength. Additionally, I reflect on what I learned while developing and implementing the method, and how this experience has influenced who I am as a music therapist.

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