PILOT MISSION

In this pilot project, using compositional music therapy- specifically songwriting, participants were invited to create original lyrics and improvised melodies as part of a therapeutic approach to accessing emotions related to their shared experience of COVID19. 

The goals of the intervention were to foster engagement, connection and creative expression during an unprecedented global pandemic. 

PROCESS

The intervention included 4 weekly 1.5 hour sessions of songwriting and recording, led by a board-certified music therapist and two music educators. The sessions were held virtually on a video platform and additional communication was conducted via email. 

Sessions began with verbal dialogue, assessing the current needs of each group member and sharing experiences related to the ways life was changing due to the pandemic. Team building exercises were introduced with the intention of providing an opportunity for the participants to access their creative energy and become accustomed to sharing creatively. From there, the group launched into songwriting, and as the sessions continued, recording the lyrics that were created. Each session ended with a verbal reflection of the work that was done and a quick one word share that captured each participant's feeling about the work done that day.

RESULTS: Activating Creative Resources

Early on, participants were able to identify shared themes which helped to normalize their experience as they were adjusting to it in real time. Shifting focus by activating their creative resources changed their perspective from ruminating on loss and worry for the future to a shared sense of pride in being able to create something with others during a time of stress. ‘’A sense of complete creative accomplishment”, shared one participant. This was exemplified in the data from the surveys as well, with a 60% decrease in anxiety, averaged among the participants.

“The program encouraged me to take time to think about our current situation and how it affects me.  It allowed me to slow down, focus, and breathe during a time when I was trying to stay on the go. It put me in the moment.”

RESULTS: Feeling Connected

Feeling connected to family and community were shared by the participants as important factors in maintaining hope and happiness through the pandemic, and participation in the pilot project came with expectations of creative release, catharsis, and the opportunity to connect with new people. 

When asked to report on the frequency of behaviors that measure self-care, marked improvements in mindful relaxation, awareness, and supportive relationships were recorded from start to midpoint in the process.

“I was feeling pretty low at the start of lockdown and I've felt an uptick in harmony for being a part of this. I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment for having participated and feel proud of the song.”

“The program made me seriously evaluate and try to describe how I was feeling. Versus normally just feeling and going about my day.  The program showed me how a group can be creative together and other people can draw something out of you that you did not think was there or did not realize was there.”

RESULTS from GAD-7

The GAD-7 survey was introduced three times during the pilot project; at the beginning, mid-way through, and two-weeks post process. The data from the first survey showed an average score of 8.25, which for people that report PTSD, is a range that signifies the need for further psychological assessment. The average score midway through the process came down 60% to 3.33, showing  a much lower anxiety level from all participants, a level that was maintained two weeks after the project ended. 

RESULTS from MSCS

The MSCS showed more variability with improvements in mindful relaxation, awareness, and supportive relationships from start to midpoint in the process, and a decline two weeks after the project was completed. It is important to note that the participants did not have copies of their finished product to listen to between the second and third applications of the survey. It would be useful in following pilots to see if being able to listen to their work would increase their feelings of support and relaxation post-study.

RECAP

When we started the program the participants reported feeling frustrated at having to be isolated, slowing down, and found it difficult to stay positive. They felt helpless in being able to help others, such as co-workers or clients, who they described as “struggling to survive this pandemic”. 

Nurturing their strength and potential by encouraging collaboration and providing a safe space for them to take risks, the facilitators collaborated with the group throughout the process, supplying energy and encouraging musical initiatives, to assist them in realizing their strengths while providing an opportunity for emotional release and constructive, creative outcomes. 

“I learned I could sing!! With help. I found it very nurturing and a very safe environment.“

MEASUREMENT TOOLS

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) Scale (Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, and Lowe, 2006)

The GAD-7 consists of 7 items intended to measure symptom severity of anxiety before diagnosing an anxiety disorder. The participant uses a scale from 0 to 3 to describe to what extent they agree with feelings experienced over the past two weeks. The total score for the seven items ranges from 0 to 21. Scores greater or equal to 10 signify need for further assessment. For Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, and PTSD, a cutoff score of 8 may be used for optimal sensitivity. GAD-7 is sensitive to detect change in psychopathology over the course of treatment with a good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). A cutoff score of 7 or higher, maximizing the Youden Index, yielded a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 67.3%

The Mindful Self Care Scale (MSCS) is a 33-item scale divided into 6 domains plus an additional 3 general questions that measure the self-reported frequency of behaviors that measure self-care. The scale is intended to help individuals identify areas of strength and assess interventions that could improve self-care. Our survey utilized three domains plus the three general questions. When used with healthcare professionals the MSCS results were reliable and in good ranges, and associated with increased wellness.

A 10-item introductory questionnaire was also used to measure baseline anxiety and self-care supports, and an 11-item exit interview was used to measure effectiveness of the program.  

SURVEY

“I entered this program feeling isolated and low, only to find an amazingly supportive community and the opportunity to collaboratively express creativity in a way I feel proud of.” 

“The Thread Connects Pilot Program allowed me to come out of my narrow world and realize others were experiencing the same situation differently than me. I came to appreciate different reactions to our similar experiences and find a bond that I hope continues beyond this program.” 

“I was blown away by my experience with Thread. As someone who doesn't have a musical bone in their body, I couldn't believe that I could feel comfortable enough to participate. I went from being very apprehensive to contributing a vocal and feeling great about it! On a much deeper note, Pete, Lane and Sheila provided an experience that was profoundly moving and powerful and helped me explore the emotions surrounding the Covid 19 Pandemic in a safe and nurturing environment.”