Abstract

MARIANO, Fabiana Leite Rabello  and  FIAMENGHI JR., Geraldo A.. Grandmothers/carers and their disabled grandchildren: an experience in music therapy. Aletheia [online]. 2011, n.34, pp. 138-150. ISSN 1413-0394.

Extensive family, such as grandparents, may help to relieve the stress caused by the birth of a disabled infant. Studies even suggest that grandparents be included in intervention programs. Also, music therapy has proven to be useful in dealing with emotional difficulties. The aim of this research was to observe the interaction between dyads of grandmothers/carers and their disabled grandchildren in a musical activity situation. A sequence of musical activities was organized, during a 50-minute session. Results suggest that musical context may help interaction between grandmother and grandchild, despite the child's disability. Musical elements were facilitators of infants and grandmothers' emotional expressions, mainly positive emotions and attitudes. Infants with disabilities showed a disposition to interactive exchanges and musicality and results suggest that music therapy may help improve emotional health of families with disabled children.

Keywords : Disability; Grandparents; Music therapy.