MUSIC-BASED INTERVENTION OF EATING DISORDERS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the various types of music-based interventions utilized in the treatment of eating disorders, identify key characteristics of these interventions, and examine the methodologies and data collection techniques employed in the treatment process following diagnosis.

Introduction: The treatment of Eating Disorders (EDs) requires a multidisciplinary approach, and there is a growing body of evidence supporting the value of music-based interventions, such as music therapy and songwriting, in addressing the complex needs of individuals with eating disorders. However, little is known about this intervention more comprehensively. Given the diversity of participants, methodology, and data collection methods while dealing with different categories of eating disorders, it is necessary to explore the characteristics of MBI techniques as well as their theoretical approaches in order to offer better prospects with EDs.

 Inclusion Criteria: The inclusion criteria of the paper are people of adolescent adults (female and male, excluding LGBT and trans-gender population) diagnosed with any eating disorders in inpatient and outpatient units. The intervention was used in music, especially any type of music activities delivered by musicians or researchers; those highlighting the qualification of a formal Registered Music Therapist (RMT) papers were also included.

Methods: We searched eight databases; the key information sources are EBSCOhost, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. Using the population, concept, context (PCC) format in any language without time limitation. Following the JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR checklist, 201 articles were identified for review. After duplicates were removed, two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and reviewed full-text articles. Sixteen articles were ultimately included in this scoping review. Two independent reviewers extracted data from 16 papers in this scoping review, resolving disagreements with the assistance of a third reviewer. Data coding was conducted using ATLAS.ti 23, and the results were exported to Excel for further analysis. The studies were reported and categorized into music therapy, music medicine, and other MBIs, each demonstrating diverse theoretical orientations in the forms of quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed-method research according to PCC.

Results: The qualitative examination of the subject revealed four overarching themes: (1) the distinctive features of the participants involved; (2) the techniques and attributes of Music-Based Interventions (MBI) employed with Eating Disorders (EDs); (3) the theoretical orientation underpinning MBIs; and (4) a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies and data collection methods.

Conclusions: This scoping review offers crucial insights into the landscape of Music-Based Interventions (MBI) with Eating Disorders (EDs). However, the key implications of these findings suggest that well-controlled studies are essential, as this will contribute significantly to a more robust understanding of the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of music-based interventions in the complex realm of eating disorders.