Integrative perspectives on mindfulness, music and music therapy: A literature review
Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy August 19, 2021 DOI: 10.56883/aijmt.2023.90 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Articles from electronic databases and grey literature |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Music therapy Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key findings | Integrating mindfulness and music therapy enhances the musical experience, facilitates the therapy process, and contributes to mental wellness. |
Abstract
With increasing recognition of the advantage of working within a multidisciplinary team and interdisciplinary study for health, the incorporation of music and mindfulness across healthcare disciplines has become more common. The aim of this study was to explore the integrating theory and practice, key principles, and psychodynamic perspectives with respect to music therapy and mindfulness. Thirty articles were selected from electronic databases and grey literature. Conference abstracts and informal literature reviews were excluded. The articles were categorised and analysed according to methods, interventions, outcome measures and key messages. Key outcomes from the studies revealed that integrating mindfulness and music can enhance the musical experience, facilitate the music therapy process (e.g. Guided Imagery and Music), and contribute to mental wellness (e.g. stress reduction, emotional support, and self awareness). Based on the data analysis, two core themes were identified: a) psychodynamic perspectives of mindfulness and music therapy; and b) here and now, letting go, nonself, nonattachment and being non-judgmental. The link between music and mindfulness has been recognised during recent decades, and combining music and mindfulness demonstrated positive outcomes in the literature. The findings revealed several key perspectives and approaches between mindfulness-based practice (MBP) and music therapy. These findings can offer a new outlook to the therapeutic relationship and can give a practical and theoretical framework of combining mindfulness and music therapy.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- An Eight-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfulness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health December 4, 2023
- Mindfulness-based music therapy for mental health in senior college students: a randomized controlled trial Frontiers in Psychology October 29, 2025
- A Movement-Based Pedagogical Perspective on Mindfulness in Embodied Music Learning Intersection of Psychology, Esotericism, and Cultural Development July 16, 2026
Cites 23
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
- A Longitudinal Study of Students' Perceptions of Using Deep Breathing Meditation to Reduce Testing Stresses Teaching and Learning in Medicine June 19, 2007
- Mindfulness, attention, and flow during music listening: An empirical investigation Psychology of Music September 27, 2011
- Mindfulness online: a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of a web-based mindfulness course and the impact on stress BMJ Open 2012
and 18 more in the library