The experience of recalling Christian spiritual songs on affect dysregulation in the mood and anxiety disorders

Although existing treatment methods for the mood and anxiety disorders have improved the lives of many who suffer from these conditions, there remains a significant portion of the population for whom these methods are only partially effective or are ineffective entirely. The purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences of a spiritually-integrated music therapy intervention with a nonclinical population during times of affect dysregulation. Ten participants used this intervention over the course of a two-week period and were interviewed regarding their experiences. The results indicated that the participants were impacted in their biological, spiritual, social and psychological processes and that the intervention was primarily used as a planned distractor and for cognitive reappraisal. The use of the intervention is discussed in terms of its usefulness as an adjunct to treatment for mental health and pastoral counselors.