Zachary Ramsey
Research Mentor(s): Sandy Zalmout
Mentor Department: ICPSR
Authors:
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 55
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to synthesize and report the impacts that art-based therapies, specifically music, can have on neurodivergent college students and to address the gap of resource availability for neurodivergent professionals in the world. This study also aims to work with neurodivergent populations at the University of Michigan by employing music/art therapy in a setting where individuals can self-report the therapeutic benefits of art-based therapies. In addition to a comprehensive literature review of reputable research on the impacts of music-based therapies on neurodivergent populations, this project also conducted an Art Therapy Day on the University of Michigan campus where neurodivergent students in attendance reported their feelings before and after participation in a session led by a music therapist. Data from this survey was then compiled to observe whether or not the individuals reported feeling less stressed/overstimulated/etc. The results of our survey corroborated the claim that arts-based therapies have a beneficial effect on neurodivergent individuals, with most individuals reporting an improvement in mood and overall feeling. Participants also reported a desire for more support for arts-based therapies, with a resounding preference for this kind of support. As a result of this, it can be concluded that the expansion and implementations of arts-based therapies for neurodivergent populations is a worthwhile endeavor for the professional world. From here, more research should be done on the most successful ways to implement music/arts based therapies in the professional world.
