Development of a Music Group Psychotherapy Intervention for the Primary Prevention of Adjustment Difficulties in Korean Adolescent Girls

Abstract

PROBLEM: Traditionally, adolescent mental health in Korea has not been a prime focus for educators, health workers, and politicians, yet a majority of sampled adolescents report interpersonal sensitivity (Kim, 2003). METHOD: Thirty-five adolescent girls took part in a six-session school-based music group psychotherapy pilot intervention designed to promote relationships and improve self-control skills. FINDING: Participants identified several outcome benefits that may serve as protective factors in their continued social and emotional development. CONCLUSIONS: Music is a medium that promotes interpersonal relatedness among Korean adolescent girls. More research is necessary to identify long-term benefits of preventive music group psychotherapy interventions among the adolescent population.