Professional paper

Music therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation with hospitalized children

Kristina DIVLJAKOVIĆ ; Klinički bolnički centar „Sestre milosrdnice“, Klinika za reumatologiju fizikalnu medicinu i rehabilitaciju, Vinogradska ulica 29, Zagreb
Maja LANG MOROVIĆ
Marija KRALJEVIĆ
Valentina MATIJEVIĆ
Zvjezdana MAČEK TRIFUNOVIĆ

Abstract

At times when a sick child needs to be separated from his/her family, and stay in an unfamiliar, hospital environment, it is possible to expect various negative reactions from the child due to stress. Therefore, time spent in-between therapies and medical procedures should be made interesting and comfortable for a child. This article explains several of those activities that also represent non-medical therapies, emphasizing positive effect of music therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulations. Music therapy is a unique way of care and psychosocial support in hospital settings. At pediatric departments, its goal is to support and help child to: adapt, minimize pain and stress, and stimulate development of skills. Music can also be incorporated in speech and language, physical and occupational therapy to aid muscle relaxation, improve movement patterns, and augment independency in every-day skills, and to stimulate socialization and emotional development. Another method, widely used in hospital environments, is rhythmic auditory stimulation. This neurological technique uses physiological effect of auditory rhythm on motor system. The key element of rhythmic stimulations is the phenomenon of auditory fun, or body’s ability to rhythmically adjust its movements. Due to its low economic value, this method can be used independently, or be incorporated in other therapies such as physical or music therapy. Other strategies used in coping with negative experiences and in moderating hospitalism symptoms are play, animal therapy, visits from clowns, etc. In modern hospitals, and society in general, the ability to recognize negative hospitalization consequences is growing. So, specialists from various disciplines work with hospitalized children, and are putting team efforts into holistic child development approach in hospitals.

Keywords

hospitalism; music therapy; rhythmic auditory stimulations

Hrčak ID:

134996

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/134996

Publication date:

15.12.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 4.071 *