Music therapy as a protection strategy against toxic stress for Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon: A pilot research study — Deborah Parker, Liliane Younes, Mohamad Orabi, Simon Procter & Milena Paulini

Volume 15 (1) 2023 – Article (first published on 10 May 2021)

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Music therapy as a protection strategy against toxic stress for Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon: A pilot research study

Deborah Parker, Liliane Younes, Mohamad Orabi, Simon Procter & Milena Paulini

ABSTRACT

This article presents a mixed methods pilot research study evaluating the impact of music therapy on the emotional and social functioning of Palestinian refugee children from Lebanon aged 7-11. The research aim was to verify the hypothesis that music therapy is an effective therapeutic method in lowering anxiety levels in children suffering from the effects of stress and trauma, and in strengthening their self-esteem and sense of agency, thus contributing to the development of their resilience. The specific geo-political and social contexts are explained, comparable studies considered, and data collection strategies outlined. Narrative data from music therapists is analysed thematically, complementing analysis of statistical data captured using standardised clinical evaluation measures. Findings indicating that music therapy had a positive effect on the children’s emotional and social functioning are discussed as part of a broader reflection on possible future developments.

KEYWORDS

clinical music therapy, Palestinian refugee children, toxic stress, case series research

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES

Deborah Parker is a British music therapist and music education specialist. Based in Tuscany (Italy), she is didactic and music therapy coordinator for the community-based organisation Associazione Prima Materia, and project coordinator for “Music and Resilience”, an international cooperation project for the development of music-based resources for the Palestinian refugee community of Lebanon. [info@primamateria.it]

Liliane Younes is a Lebanese clinical psychologist and music therapist working for the Palestinian NGO, National
Institution for Social care and Vocational Training (NISCVT), in Beirut (Lebanon). [fgc.mental.health@gmail.com]

Mohamad Orabi is a Palestinian psychologist and music therapist, member of the Palestinian refugee community of Lebanon, who works in the NISCVT mental health centre in Sidon (Lebanon). [mohammedarrabi@hotmail.com] Dr

Simon Procter is Director of Music Services (education, research and public affairs) at Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy London. [simon.procter@nordoff-robbins.org.uk]

Milena Paulini is a German music therapist who worked as research assistant for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy London from 2019-2020. [milena.paulini@nordoff-robbins.org.uk]