Centering musical pleasure as the heart of music therapy’s impact: From lived experience to fMRI research.
Tracks
Stream One
| Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM |
| Centre Stage 1 |
Overview
Dr. Lucy Bolger
Speaker
Dr. Lucy Bolger
The University Of Melbourne
Centering musical pleasure as the heart of music therapy’s impact: From lived experience to fMRI research.
Abstract
Anhedonia, defined as a markedly diminished capacity to experience pleasure, is a highly prevalent symptom of many chronic and mental health disorders familiar to music therapists, including depression and schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and PTSD. People with anhedonia present with low motivation, muted emotional responses, and social withdrawal, leading to poorer health outcomes, reduced treatment adherence, and diminished quality of life.
This research investigates: (1) how a targeted focus on musical pleasure through therapist-guided daily music activity can impact the hedonic capacity of participants with anhedonia, and (2) the potential of musical pleasure as a mechanism of action in music therapy. We employ a mixed-methods approach over a progressive program of research, incorporating qualitative interviews, field notes, participant self-report, standardised assessment, and fMRI scans.
The research balances research evidence with identity, originating from a co-designed lived experience case study, subsequently replicated with two additional cases. This successful case study series informed a new practice model to directly address anhedonia through brief, daily, guided musicking activity targeting increased anticipatory and consummatory pleasure for participants. Our ongoing fMRI pilot study aims to test and replicate these findings and further investigate whether this model increases activity in the brain's pleasure pathways.
In this presentation, I will detail the developed model, outcomes of completed case studies, and preliminary data from the current fMRI pilot. I will discuss the clinical implications of these findings for music therapists working with people experiencing mental and chronic ill health. I will also invite music therapists to consider the wider potential of musical pleasure as mechanism of action in music therapy. Drawing on research evidence to centre musical pleasure as a unique therapeutic mechanism of our discipline is an innovative way to connect the musical, creative heart of music therapy with our clinical identity as allied health professionals.
This research investigates: (1) how a targeted focus on musical pleasure through therapist-guided daily music activity can impact the hedonic capacity of participants with anhedonia, and (2) the potential of musical pleasure as a mechanism of action in music therapy. We employ a mixed-methods approach over a progressive program of research, incorporating qualitative interviews, field notes, participant self-report, standardised assessment, and fMRI scans.
The research balances research evidence with identity, originating from a co-designed lived experience case study, subsequently replicated with two additional cases. This successful case study series informed a new practice model to directly address anhedonia through brief, daily, guided musicking activity targeting increased anticipatory and consummatory pleasure for participants. Our ongoing fMRI pilot study aims to test and replicate these findings and further investigate whether this model increases activity in the brain's pleasure pathways.
In this presentation, I will detail the developed model, outcomes of completed case studies, and preliminary data from the current fMRI pilot. I will discuss the clinical implications of these findings for music therapists working with people experiencing mental and chronic ill health. I will also invite music therapists to consider the wider potential of musical pleasure as mechanism of action in music therapy. Drawing on research evidence to centre musical pleasure as a unique therapeutic mechanism of our discipline is an innovative way to connect the musical, creative heart of music therapy with our clinical identity as allied health professionals.
Biography
Dr. Lucy Bolger is a music therapy academic at Melbourne University, and an RMT with over 20 years of practice experience across the lifespan. Her research focuses on anhedonia and musical pleasure, and processes of collaboration with underserved groups. Her practice interests are vocal psychotherapy, community music therapy, and anhedonia.
