Merete Holme: Music therapy for adolescents with emotional challenges

Field of study: Music Therapy

Background

Depression and anxiety represent major challenges for adolescent mental health and are among the leading causes of illness and reduced quality of life globally. Difficulties in emotion regulation are increasingly understood as a central underlying factor in these conditions. While established treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, are helpful for many, there is a growing need for flexible and person-centred approaches that resonate with adolescents’ everyday lives.

Methods

This open clinical study explores music therapy as a complementary intervention for adolescents with emotional difficulties in outpatient mental health care. The project is a mixed-methods study conducted in collaboration with a child and adolescent psychiatry clinic in Norway. Participants aged 13–18 took part in a 10-week music therapy programme, combining active music-making, reflection on personal music use, and music listening in everyday contexts.

The study aims to contribute to the understanding of how music therapy may support adolescents experiencing a range of transdiagnostic challenges, with a particular focus on emotion regulation. By integrating quantitative and qualitative data, the project explores not only potential changes in outcomes but also how adolescents experience and use music as a meaningful resource in their daily lives.

Relevance

Overall, the study aims to further develop the understanding of the role of music therapy in clinical practice and to highlight its potential as a flexible and engaging approach in adolescent mental health care. The findings are scheduled for publication in 2026 and indicate promising trends in terms of improvements in emotional difficulties and emotion regulation processes.