Perceived effects of music therapy in the treatment of personality disorders, cluster B/C: A thematic analysis study based on service users’ experiences

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves the integration of the best available evidence, clinical expertise and patient values. Although evidence and clinical expertise point to the benefits of music therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment programme for people with personality disorders, patient values are underexplored. To gain insight into service users' experiences and values of perceived effects of music therapy, we conducted a qualitative study using thematic analysis. Twenty-seven participants diagnosed with a personality disorder were interviewed individually or in focus groups. The participants were in different treatment programmes and had attended at least ten group music therapy sessions. Fifteen transcripts were coded in three stages. Fifty-three code groups, three core categories and 11 subcategories emerged from the data. The core categories were: Expectations, contextual conditions and consequences of music therapy. The consequences or perceived effects consisted of - meaningful experiences (divided into three themes: personal development, emotion regulation and connectedness) and - outcomes in daily life (divided into: changes, future plans and evaluation of music therapy experiences). This study adds to the knowledge of service users' perspectives on music therapy. Music therapy appears to be valuable in treatment programmes for patients with personality disorders, providing them with meaningful experiences that also lead to positive outcomes in their daily lives. This research, although broad in scope, is unique in its systematic focus on the perceived effects of music therapy and contributes to EBP as patient values is one of its three pillars. • This study explores service users' views on music therapy for personality disorders. • Music therapy shows positive effects for people with personality disorders. • Findings confirm the value of music therapy in personality disorder treatment programmes. • The study adds to knowledge about the impact of music therapy in mental health practice. • Music therapy leads to meaningful experiences and positive life outcomes.