ENTRAINMENT AS A THERAPEUTIC MECHANISM IN MUSIC THERAPY: A SCOPING REVIEW

WEITING  YUAN; JIN HYUNG  LEE

Authors

WEITING YUAN Master of Arts in Music Therapy, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University
JIN HYUNG LEE Professor Dr., Master of Arts in Music Therapy, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Center of Excellence: FAA-EMILI Sagol Creative Arts Research and Innovation for Well-being Center

Keywords:

Music therapy, Entrainment, Healing mechanism, Therapeutic mechanism, Scoping review

Abstract

Entrainment is a fundamental concept in music therapy, illustrating the profound influence of external rhythms on internal biological processes. It plays a pivotal role in music therapy as one of the key mechanisms for therapeutic change. Due to the wide variability in existing literature on the implementation of entrainment in music therapy, this scoping review aimed to summarize existing studies and identify key characteristics and outcomes addressed in this literature. Out of the 167 items identified from the initial database search, a total of 10 studies were selected for review, revealing a diverse range of methodologies and participant demographics. Predominantly conducted in the USA and Germany, these studies focused on various medical conditions, illustrating the diverse applications across different clinical settings. The reviewed studies primarily employed interventions involving receptive music therapy methods, utilizing live or recorded music to induce physiological and psychological changes in patients. These interventions targeted outcomes such as relaxation, pain reduction, and anxiety alleviation, measured through physiological markers and subjective assessments. Overall, while the existing literature provides valuable insights into the efficacy of music entrainment in therapeutic settings, there is a need for more rigorous research encompassing diverse methodologies, populations, and cultural contexts. Future studies should also explore the integration of new technologies to optimize music entrainment interventions and expand our understanding of its therapeutic potential.

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