Understanding music therapy for young refugees in school settings through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system: A narrative literature review

Abstract

In recent years, involuntary displacement appears to be a global phenomenon, with the number of people compelled to leave their countries rising. Uprooted from their homes, refugees are confronted by multiple challenges, in particular young people who also need to adjust at their new school environments. Existing literature shows that music therapy can benefit refugees in many different ways; supporting both their physical and emotional wellbeing. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring the role of music therapy for young refugees in schools. By combining different studies linked both directly and indirectly, this narrative literature review aimed to investigate and reflect on how music therapy could enhance young refugees’ integration in school settings. Statements from the literature served as points of departure for identifying two main themes for exploration: ‘context’ and ‘transition’. Accordingly, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system appeared to be the most helpful conceptual tool and was used to investigate these two main themes further. Regarding ‘context’, refugee students were seen as the protagonists of the music therapy process. Furthermore, the particularities of the school setting, the parental involvement, and the role of teachers in music therapy were investigated. Regarding ‘transition’, a range of music therapy practices were investigated to understand how they support refugees’ transition from past to present and thus facilitate their adjustment at school. The identified practices were song-writing, symbolism, group music therapy and performance. This review has shown that the nature of the therapeutic activities alongside a collaborative stance within music therapy are both central points of consideration for supporting young refugees’ integration in schools. By suggesting new perspectives on ways of practice, implications for the music therapy field, as well as recommendations for future research, this review contributes to the advancement of the understanding in this field.