Songwriting and TBI: Differences Across the Lifespan

Title: Themes in Songs Written by Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Differences Across the Lifespan

Authors: Baker, Felicity Kennelly, Jeanette ; Tamplin, Jeanette

Abstract: This study aimed to identify age differences in the themes of songs written by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Lyrics from 82 songs written by 11 female and 20 male patients aged between 5 and 60 years were categorised into eight themes and 24 categories. Incidence of categories and themes were calculated and compared across six age brackets. Results suggest that children, early adolescents, and middle adolescent patients with TBI focus on memories to a substantially greater degree than older patients. Early and late adolescent patient groups are most likely to be self-reflective, and to raise concerns about the future, when compared with other patient groups.

The Australian Journal of Music Therapy, 2005, Vol.16, pp.25-42