Effects of group songwriting on depression and quality of life in acute psychiatric inpatients: A randomized three group effectiveness study

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of group psychoeducational songwriting on quality of life, depression, and treatment perceptions in acute psychiatric inpatients during a randomized three group design. Participants were randomly assigned by cluster to one of three conditions: Group songwriting (n = 33), psychoeducation (n = 32), or recreational music therapy (n = 40). Quality of life and depression were measured via established psychometric instruments and treatment perceptions were measured via Likert-type scales at immediate posttest. Results indicated no significant between-group differences in quality of life or depression measures. However, participants in the songwriting condition tended to have the highest mean quality of life and lowest mean depression scores. Participants in the psychoeducation condition tended to have the lowest mean quality of life and highest mean depression scores. Although not significant, participants in both music therapy conditions tended to have slightly higher mean ratings of helpfulness and comfort than participants in the psychoeducation condition. From the results of this study, it seems that psychoeducational group songwriting can be utilized to immediately increase aspects of wellbeing in acute psychiatric inpatients. Limitations of the study, implications for clinical practice, and suggestions for future research are provided.