A Trauma-Informed Music Composition Program Fostering Resilience in Survivors of Hospitalization

Abstract

Arts-based creative interventions have demonstrated positive psychological effects, including creativity, self-efficacy, and social connectivity, an approach deeply rooted in a humanistic framework that emphasizes the intrinsic value of every individual and the transformative power of creative expression. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based music composition intervention to support survivors of serious illness hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers (VYC) program, trauma-informed care-trained teaching artists guided participants through four web-based sessions to develop unique compositions, culminating in a live, online performance. Feasibility data were based on adherence to intervention components. Acceptability data on resilience-related traits were self-reported via pre–post surveys. Fourteen participants enrolled, 12 completed all intervention sessions, and 10 attended the optional final performance. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes that contributed to participants’ positive experience: (I) Novelty, (II) Skill/Perspective Gained, (III) Pleasure, (IV) Self-Efficacy, and (V) Connection to others. Results suggest that the VYC-inspired music composition intervention is a feasible and highly acceptable method for fostering resilience-associated traits in patients impacted by serious illness.

Keywords

resilience creativity posttraumatic growth self-actualization trauma recovery

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