Music Therapy Treatment Considerations for Adolescents with Attachment Challenges

Jaylee Sowders1,2,3

University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469

1. Department of Music

2. Berry Summer Thesis Institute

3. University Honors Program

Thesis Mentor: Joy Willenbrink-Conte, MA, MT-BC

Department of Music

Abstract

Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, describes how our first relationships guide much of our social and emotional development throughout life (Bretherton, 1992). When attachment challenges occur, particularly during infancy, the maturation of adolescents as they transition into adulthood is severely impacted. However, the foundation of attachment assessment and treatment are rooted in classist, patriarchal, and white supremacist systems that do not equitably serve a diverse society. With a focus on equity and accessibility in mental healthcare, this study is focused on music therapy assessment and treatment with teenage clients facing attachment challenges and the role of music as a communicative tool and symbolic object for attachment. Through an interpretivist review of attachment theory and music therapy literature, combined with an analysis of relevant music therapy case studies, I will analyze the affordances, risks, and challenges of music therapy experiences in reforming and revising internal working models of attachment (Bowlby, 1969), using a dimensional perspective described by Raby et al. (2021). Music has the potential to address, validate, and promote further inquiry of the social and emotional complexities that often result from traumatic interpersonal relationships. The added musical relationships and music inherent to music therapy may provide new avenues for growth and healing by providing additional objects or secure bases for reconstructive attachment and relationship formation. This research will provide information for current and future music therapists facilitating music therapy with adolescents to address attachment challenges.

Introduction

Music therapy is constantly evolving to promote progressive, integrative, and equitable values in the practice. Individuals with attachment challenges represent a large, but minimally researched client group that has begun to strike therapists’ gaze as attachment and relationship challenges become more apparent in modern society. Although challenges often originate in infancy, attachment behaviors come to light during adolescence as individuation occurs and teenagers seek their own relationships. As music therapy emphasizes the relationships between the client, therapist, and music, it provides external objects and a therapeutic environment that may address and validate their potentially traumatic attachment experiences. Through the integration of attachment theory in current music therapy practice, adolescents with attachment challenges may be supported in reforming and revising internal working models through symbolic and musical methods of expression, reflection, and communication, ultimately fostering positive attachment orientations and behaviors. The following literature review begins with a survey of attachment theory literature, relates attachment theory to the context of adolescence, and finally, discusses music therapy literature pertaining to work with adolescents who are likely encountering attachment challenges.