The effect of receptive versus expressive music experiences on hyperactive behaviour of Thai children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of playing and listening to Thai music played on a traditional instrument, Ranad-ek, on Thai children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The particular style of music used in the study is referred to in Thailand as 'music influenced by different countries' (Pikulsri, 1987). Participants were six Thai boys aged 8-10 who were diagnosed with ADHD. They all lived in Thailand but were not known to have previous experience with Thai traditional music. Participants were divided into two groups, the improvising group playing the Ranad-ek, and the listening group, listening to Ranad- ek music played live. Each group took part in eight sessions conducted twice a week. The occurrences of hyperactive behaviours were scored by the parents before and after the program using a Thai-modified version of the Hyperactivity Index of Conners' Parent Rating Scale (1999). In addition, a behaviour observation form was completed by the researcher during each session. According to the results of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, there was a small numbers reduction in the frequency of most hyperactive behaviours in both groups as follows: Excitable Impulsive (28.33%), Cries Easily or Often (24.81%), Restless Always Up and On the Go (18.73%), Destructive (37.59%), Fails to Finish Things (49.78%), Distractibility or Attention Span a Problem (16.67%) and Disturbs Other Children (40.12%). Further analysis indicates that although both listening to and improvising Thai music may have reduced a number of ADHD associated behaviours, the important things that may also affect the hyperactive behaviours of particular participants were Thai culture and the belief. However, unlike before and after, results of the behaviour observation form suggest that, during the treatment sessions, the improvements in behaviours were slightly greater within the group improvising music. Future research involving larger samples and different population groups and experimental conditions is needed to investigate whether improvising and listening to Thai music may bring on positive effects on ADHD associated behaviours.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	English