Anne Kippenes: Music for health and wellbeing in Early Childhood Community Services in Bhutan

Field of study: Music Therapy

This PhD research project aims to investigate the potential of music as a health resource in caregiver-child relationships and in Early Childhood Community Services in Bhutan. The project collaborates with Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences Bhutan and Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimpu, Bhutan.

Parenting interventions for children during the first three years of life are effective for improving early childhood development outcomes and enhancing parenting outcomes. Music as a resource in Early Child Development interventions is well documented but seems to be unexplored in Bhutan.

The following research questions will be explored:

1. How do nurses and musicians articulate the local practices, traditions, and perspectives of using music in early caregiver-child relationships in Bhutan?
2. What opportunities exist for building a culturally sensitive music program to enhance early caregiver-child relationships in Thimpu, Bhutan, and how can this be done in practice?
3. What are caregivers’ and health workers’ experiences of participating in a music program designed to enhance early caregiver-child relationships in Bhutan?

Data is collected through three stages using qualitative methods: individual semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and focus-group interviews. Participants in the study will be local musicians and singers, nurses and health workers working at a com

The hypothesis underlying the research is that the use of music in early caregiver-child relationships will enhance well-being and quality of life for both children and caregivers. The knowledge and voices of the participants in this project will hopefully lead to a broader understanding and new dimensions in the field of ‘music and health’ and ‘early childhood development’ in Bhutan. T

The project period is estimated to be four years from fall 2022 to spring 2026. The Progreso Foundation finances the project.