Music therapy as an integrative approach in child care: a systematic literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n3p1214-1231Keywords:
Music Therapy; Complementary Therapies; Child Health; School.Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This article presents a critical analysis of twelve scientific studies that examined the effects of music therapy and other artistic practices on children with diverse clinical and social profiles. The review also highlights the alignment of these practices with key Brazilian public policies, including the Statute of the Child and Adolescent, the National Health Promotion Policy, the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices within the Unified Health System (SUS), and the National Policy for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of music therapy as an integrative practice for children, considering its impact on development and health promotion. Methodology: The review included original articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, available in full text in the LILACS, BDENF, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Controlled descriptors from DeCS/MeSH (Music Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Child Health, and School) were used in combination with Boolean operators, along with filters for language, publication period, and document type. These criteria guided the construction of this systematic literature review. Conclusion: The findings indicate that music therapy supports the development of social, emotional, motor, and cognitive skills, while also reducing behavioral and psychopathological symptoms. When applied in a structured and contextually grounded manner, music emerges as an effective and promising therapeutic tool for comprehensive childhood care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Isabela Ribeiro da Cruz, Daniele Fernanda Felipe
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