The effect of composition (art or music) on the self-concept of hospitalized children

J Music Ther. 2005 Spring;42(1):49-63. doi: 10.1093/jmt/42.1.49.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of composition (art or music) on the self-concept of hospitalized children. The music composition was created using the program Making More Music. The art composition was a drawing using standard medium. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was used to measure self-concept. When examining subjects as one group, a significant difference from pre- to posttest for the Total score indicated an improved self-concept. Further analyses on each of the 6 categories indicated no significant differences. The art composition group had a significant difference from pre- to posttest for the Total score and for Popularity (POP). Although not significant, scores increased from pre- to posttest for Behavioral Adjustment (BEH), Physical Appearance (PHY), Freedom from Anxiety (FRE), and Happiness and Satisfaction (HAP). The music composition group had no significant difference from pre- to posttest for the Total score but a significant difference from pre- to posttest on Intellectual and School Status (INT) and Physical Appearance (PRY). Although not significant, scores increased from pre- to posttest for TOT, BEH, and HAP. There was a significant difference between the groups on 2 categories that indicated an improved self-concept for the music group under Intellectual and School Status and for the art group under Popularity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Adolescent, Hospitalized* / psychology
  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Art Therapy / methods*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Child, Hospitalized* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Midwestern United States
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Music Therapy / methods*
  • Self Concept*
  • Time Factors