Thesis
Reinforcing personal and cultural identity for older adults with dementia through treasured songs
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Jun 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D85Q2Z
Abstract
Older adults with dementia may experience changes to their sense of identity that ultimately cause loss of identity as well as loss of memory, which are common symptoms of dementia. Identity is important for individuals as it represents who they were and who they are. As identity and self-esteem are related, loss of identity may impact one's self-esteem and low self-esteem may lead to other conditions such as depression ultimately affecting one's health. The purpose of this capstone thesis was to develop a method using treasured songs to reinforce personal and cultural identity for older adults with dementia at a residential nursing home and rehab setting. The relevant literature was reviewed in order to help developing the method. The reviewed literature demonstrates that music and music therapy can reinforce individuals' personal and cultural identity in some circumstances including those who have dementia. Case vignettes are provided to illustrate how treasured songs are used in music therapy sessions with older adults with dementia to help reinforce their identity. Based on the literature and clinical vignettes, it is suggested that use of treasured songs in music therapy sessions may help reinforce personal and cultural identity in older adults with dementia.
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Details
- Title
- Reinforcing personal and cultural identity for older adults with dementia through treasured songs
- Creators
- Grace J. Choi - DU
- Contributors
- Florence Ierardi (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 72 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8009; 991014632193904721