Creative Methods of Data Collection in Music Therapy with Aggressive Adolescents

This multiparadigm inquiry sought to explore relationships between empathy and aggression with adolescents referred to group music therapy for aggressive behaviour. One group was conducted within a Husserlian phenomenological paradigm, and another through integrating theoretical perspectives by Deleuze and Gergen. Youth at-risk may often struggle to engage in verbal disclosure of thoughts and feelings. The arts create an inviting, playful and non-judgmental environment in which to express, explore and work with difficult (and resourceful) thoughts, feelings, and interactional patterns. This paper will present examples of two data collection methods from each group: a receptive music listening and imaging technique and a drumming circle (from the phenomenological group); song-writing and a vocal improvisation (from the group informed by the thinking of Deleuze and Gergen). The value and usefulness of these methods within each paradigm and for this group of participants, specifically, will be highlighted.