Supporting positive parenting practices within a community-based music therapy group program: Pilot study findings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a short-term, community-based music therapy group program on positive parenting practices. Parent–child dyads receiving early intervention family services (N = 199) participated in 8 weekly, 45–60 minute, music-based group play sessions. We analyzed pre–post parent self-reports that measured parenting competency and clinician-observed ratings of parental responsiveness that evaluated behavioral domains of play, praise, and consistency. Significant results were found for parent-reported efficacy (p = 0.008, d = 0.21) and satisfaction (p = 0.004, d = 0.19) but not for interest (p = 0.149, d = 0.12). Significant results were found for clinic..