Positive Psychology in Therapeutic Songwriting for People Living with Late-Life Depression—An Intervention Protocol

Abstract

(1) Background: An increasing number of people are living with late-life depression, yet non-pharmacological treatments to help manage symptoms are limited. Two interventions, positive psychology and music therapeutic songwriting, have independently led to decreased depressive symptoms and an improved wellbeing in older people over 65 years old. (2) Methods: This article describes the development of a therapeutic songwriting program for people living with late-life depression. Knowledge from positive psychology and therapeutic songwriting was combined to maximize the potential benefits. (3) Results: The intervention program has ten weekly 45 min sessions that incorporate elements from positive psychology into therapeutic songwriting. Using a three-song approach encompassing ongoing musical practices, different positive psychology interventions were incorporated to support the experiences associated with a flourishing life. The intervention protocol for older people presented here is distinct from previous deficit-orientated approaches in that it shifts the focus to positive experiences, resources, and the individual’s ability to decrease their own depressive symptoms and improve their wellbeing. (4) Discussion: This protocol presenting a therapeutic songwriting program meets the need to develop new non-pharmacological treatment options. However, further studies are needed to examine the feasibility and impact of the intervention program on late-life depression and wellbeing in older people.

Keywords

• therapeutic songwriting
• music therapy
• positive psychology
• depression
• wellbeing
• older people