This pilot study examined the effects of a short-term music therapy program on the classroom behaviours of newly arrived refugee students who were attending an intensive 'English as a Second Language' secondary school. A cross-over design with two five-week intervention periods was employed with group music therapy sessions conducted one or two times per week. Data from the Behaviour Assessment Scale for Children were used to evaluate a range of positive and negative school behaviours. A significant decrease in externalising behaviours was found with particular reference to hyperactivity and aggression. No significant differences were found in other behaviours. Explanations and implications of these findings are discussed.

Refugees Classroom behaviour Externalising behaviour Music therapy

hyperactivity conduct disorder music therapy controlled clinical trial refugee Australia clinical trial high school human controlled study priority journal randomized controlled trial child behavior self esteem academic achievement school child Aggression Adolescent male female pilot study psychological rating scale short course therapy clinical article crossover procedure Article social adaptation outcome assessment English as a second language disruptive behavior learning environment