Bettina Flater: When the heart speaks

Field of study: Music Therapy

The human heart does not beat like a metronome. The small changes in the time interval between one heartbeat and the next is a phenomenon known as heart rate variability (HRV). High HRV is increasingly recognised as a measure of mental and physical robustness.

This project aims to explore the possible link between HRV and subjective experience in music therapy in mental health care through an exploratory, participatory study. Two participants are recruited and contribute in every step of the process, from data collection through data analysis and article writing to dissemination.

The thesis is anchored in resource-oriented music therapy, community music therapy and relational music therapy. Theoretical models related to HRV are the polyvagal theory and the neurovisceral integration model.

Working title:

"When the heart speaks. Heart rate variability and subjective evaluation in music therapy in mental health care: an exploratory, participatory study."