Engaging with the listening habits of young people in music therapy: A phenomenologically informed literature review

Abstract

This study aims to explore several different dimensions regarding the listening habits of young people within the context of music therapy. Through a phenomenologically informed literature review., it assumes a rhizomatic stance to navigate these dimensions, bringing perspectives not just from music therapy research but also from disciplines such as musicology, materiality and media studies. This includes discussions on adolescence, music and identity, as well as examining conceptualisations such as active/passive music therapy, lean forward/lean back listening and music as potentially harmful. While engaging with the listening habits of young people can be extremely fruitful for music therapy practice, this study also notes certain considerations and the need for the music therapist to stay reflexive while doing so, particularly regarding an awareness of their own potential ambivalences.