The Impact of Music Therapy on Self-Perceived Levels of Independence for Female Survivors of Abuse A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Fine Arts of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Music Jeffrey C. Wolfe August 2016 © 2016 Jeffrey C. Wolfe. All Rights Reserved. 2 This thesis titled The Impact of Music Therapy on Self-Perceived Levels of Independence for Female Survivors of Abuse by JEFFREY C. WOLFE has been approved for the School of Music and the College of Fine Arts by Kamile Geist Associate Professor of Music Therapy Elizabeth Sayrs Interim Dean, College of Fine Arts 3 Abstract WOLFE, JEFFREY C., M.M., August 2016, Music Therapy The Impact of Music Therapy on Self-Perceived Levels of Independence for Female Survivors of Abuse Director of Thesis: Kamile Geist Domestic violence is a prevalent issue in our society that leaves survivors traumatized with feelings of helplessness, a lack of trust and independence, guilt, and resistance to treatment, causing challenges in minimal treatment duration and treatment effectiveness. Researchers state that there is a need for alternative treatments due to the side-effects of pharmaceutical treatment and the length of treatment psychotherapy requires with this population. A psychotherapy treatment approach proposed by Robert J Lifton (1961) provides an alternative form of treatment that has resulted in progress for survivors of abuse. A music therapy approach informed by Lifton's approach may reduce the treatment time this approach requires, by providing a safe medium that survivors can immediately access nonverbally and have control of the process to recovery and becoming independent. A phenomenological qualitative research design (Moustakas, 1994) was utilized to determine what impact individual music therapy sessions informed by Lifton's criteria had on self-perceived levels of independence for female survivors of abuse. Two female survivors of abuse were recruited to participate in ten 1-hour sessions, per participant. Data sources included documentation during each session, transcribed audio recordings coded through MAXQDA 12™ software (2016), the participants' weekly journaling, and the researcher's journaling notes. Only data from one 4 participant was analyzed due to difficulties in recording the second participant. The core concept that emerged was that the participant experienced greater independence during lyric analysis and song re-creation interventions, leading to a comprehension of Lifton's criteria through the music therapy process. Additionally, the data yielded that all presented (instrumental improvisation, song/lyric analysis, song re-creation, and song writing) interventions had a cumulative purpose to lead the participant to trusting her own beliefs in order to become more independent. The major themes that emerged included Theme 1, Levels of Independence; Theme 2, Positive Self-Esteem; Theme 3, Telling of Her Story; Theme 4, Empowerment; Theme 5, Expertise; and Theme 6, Comprehension of Lifton’s Criteria. It is suggested that future research increase the duration of the study, increase the reach of the program to multiple facilities, and seek funding to support the financial demand of the program. This will potentially result in greater participant attendance and consequentially more data. Additionally, modifications in the researcher explanation and delivery of specific interventions should be considered to increase effectiveness of treatment. Key words: domestic violence, abuse, cult, trauma, treatment for abuse survivors, and music therapy. 5 Dedication I dedicate this to all survivors of abuse and anyone who feels they have lost their ability to question others and feel safe. 6 Acknowledgements I would like to thank all of my professors, supervisors, and mentors who provided me with countless hours of education, training, and support over the years. This thesis would not exist without the loving support of my wife and family. I would also like to extend my appreciation to my thesis committee, Associate Professor Kamile Geist, Dr. Richard Wetzel, Dr. Laura Brown, and Dr. Gregory Janson for their expertise. Finally, I would like to thank the Hamdard Center, Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center, and the Institute for Therapy through the Arts. These highly proficient organizations laid the foundation and access for this study to occur. 7 Table of Contents Page Abstract ................................................................................................................................3 Dedication ............................................................................................................................5 Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................6 List of Tables .....................................................................................................................10 List of Figures ....................................................................................................................11 Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................................................12 Current Treatments for Domestic Violence ...................................................................13 Current Music Therapy Treatments for Domestic Violence .........................................14 Lifton's Criteria of Mind Control ...................................................................................16 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................17 Purpose and Research Questions ...................................................................................18 Definition of Terms .......................................................................................................18 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................22 What is a Cult ................................................................................................................22 Definition and cycle of domestic violence. ................................................................24 The cycle of abuse in cults. ........................................................................................26 How Cults use Manipulation as a Form of Abuse .........................................................27 Creating a cult of one through manipulation. ............................................................28 Treatment for Women Who are Survivors of Abuse .....................................................28 Treating trauma due to abuse. ....................................................................................29 Therapies related to Lifton's criteria for treating mind control. .................................31 Research conducted with post-cult victims. ...............................................................32 Art therapy treatment with victims of abuse. .............................................................32 Music Therapy with Domestic Violence Victims ..........................................................33 Music therapy treatment with domestic violence. .....................................................34 Music Therapy Interventions .........................................................................................35 Music listening. ..........................................................................................................36 Lyric analysis. ............................................................................................................36 Instrumental improvisation. .......................................................................................38 Song re-creation. ........................................................................................................39 Song writing. ..............................................................................................................40 Research on the effects of songwriting in music therapy. .........................................41 Summary ........................................................................................................................41 Chapter 3: Methodology ....................................................................................................43 Participants .....................................................................................................................43 Recruitment. ...............................................................................................................44 Risks. ..........................................................................................................................45 Triggers. .....................................................................................................................45 Environment ...................................................................................................................46 Session Duration and Timing ........................................................................................46 8 Data Collection ..............................................................................................................47 Levels of independence. .............................................................................................47 Self-report journal entries. .........................................................................................47