The use of music therapy to promote attachment between parents and infants

The promotion of attachment behaviours between parents and infants through music-based interventions is an emerging specialism in music therapy practice. The theoretical formations and research to support this work are increasingly being elaborated, and the work of music therapists with clients throughout the lifespan increasingly draws on this rich theoretical base.This paper provides an overview of the theoretical underpinnings that inform the work of qualified music therapists in promoting healthy and secure attachment between parents and infants where disruption to a secure relational bond has occurred, or is vulnerable in some way. Characteristics of the innate musicality of the very young infant are considered, and the mutual regulation potentials of music making between caregivers and their developing infants is presented.Recognising the musicality of early parent–infant interactions allows for a deeper theorising of the effects and benefits of music therapy for this population as well as a unique insight into how sensitive responding through shared timings and synchrony builds capacity for the essentials of emotional intimacy for the developing couple. For the purposes of this review the definition of infant used is the broadest possible: from birth until 3 years and 11 months of age.

► Music therapy with vulnerable parents and infants is an emerging specialism.
► Parent–infant work is informed from developmental theories such as attachment theory.
► Considering parent-infant vocal interplay as “musical” allows broader theorizing of functions.
► The broad range of music therapy programs reported are meeting a vital social need.
► More work is needed in research development in order to “come of age” as a specialism.