Making music improves behaviour

A child's behaviour can improve as a result of them being encouraged to make music, new research has suggested. Conducted by undergraduate student Rie Davies and academics Dr Maddie Ohl and Dr Anne Manyande from the School of Psychology at the University of West London, the study found this form of activity can have a positive impact regarding both pro-social behaviour and problem-solving skills.

The study presented today at the BPS Joint Cognitive and Developmental Psychology Section annual conference in Reading built on existing research (Kirschner and Tomasello in 2012) that found making music significantly improves pro-social behaviour in young children.  

The investigation was comprised of 24 four-year-old girls and 24 boys of the same age and revealed helpfulness among both female and male participants who played music was improved by more than 30 times compared to those who did not do so.

It was demonstrated that taking part in these classes resulted in youngsters becoming more likely to cooperate and to solve problems successfully.

Ms Davies stated: "Music making in class, particularly singing, may encourage pupils with learning differences and emotional difficulties to feel less alienated in the school environment."

The study builds on previous research - Joint Music Making Promotes Prosocial Behaviour in Four-Year-Old Children by Kirschner and Tomasello - which found making music can improve pro-social behaviour. 

The 2013 Joint Annual Conference Cognitive and Developmental Sections conference is taking place at the Univesrity of Reading and will run from the 4 – 6 September. The full programme can be accessed here. You can also follow the conference on Twitter

 

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