Clinical improvisation and its effect on anxiety: A multiple single subject design

• A Multiple Single Subject Design was used to explore the impact of improvisation on anxiety.
• Significant changes in anxiety levels happened over a 6 week and 12 week period of time.
• The relational and interpersonal features of anxiety were complimented with the relational quality of clinical improvisation.
• The added value of music psychotherapy emerged as a potential alternative treatment for anxiety.

Individual responses to music psychotherapy and vocal psychotherapy were examined to evaluate effects on anxiety symptoms. The study sought to explore if co-created improvised music between therapist and client was effective in the treatment of anxiety. The study used a multiple single subject design (SSD). Repeated measures with a convenience sample of 16 participants were conducted. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was administered weekly for 12 consecutive weeks in one-hour individual weekly music therapy sessions. Data were analyzed and presented through visual representation and in aggregate form to supplement the SSD analysis. The BAI items with the highest baseline frequencies were: unable to relax, nervous, heart pounding, terrified or afraid, and fear of the worst happening. Results indicated that after clinical instrumental and vocal improvisation, participants’ anxiety symptoms significantly decreased by week 6 of treatment. Results also revealed decreased symptoms from initial baseline to end of treatment. Additional studies are required to support these results which provide partial support for the use of co-created improvised music as an appropriate method to address anxiety symptoms.