The Resilience Songwriting Program: A working theoretical model and intervention protocol for adolescent bereavement

Introduction: Contemporary theories for adolescent bereavement have challenged the idea that bereavement is experienced through a set of specific stages, tasks, or phases and instead consider it a process of change and adaptation following a loss – one that is enmeshed within our personal, interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts. No music therapy intervention studies to date have been guided by adaptive models of adolescent bereavement. Furthermore, few studies have clearly articulated a theoretical rationale for how and why the music therapy interventions aim to impact the targeted outcomes. Method: This article details the development of a theory-driven intervention, the Resilience Songwriting Program, guided by an adaptive model of adolescent bereavement. The authors describe the process of identifying an adaptive bereavement model specific to adolescents and developing a music therapy songwriting program based on this model. Results: The protocol presented in this article connects songwriting processes to protective factors in adolescent bereavement. The program involves eight, 90-minute sessions aimed at enhancing self-esteem, coping, emotional expression, and meaning making. Essential elements of the protocol include: participant agency and collaboration to enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem; use of CBT strategies (i.e. psychoeducation, cognitive reframing, and positive appraisals) to enhance mood, coping, and emotional expression; and flexibility in the songwriting process to support emotional expression and meaning making based on group dynamics and musical aesthetics. Discussion: Preliminary research has been conducted using the Resilience Songwriting Program, however more research is warranted for intervention refinement.