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Korošec K, Osika W, Bojner-Horwitz E. "It is more Important than food sometimes"; Meanings and Functions of Music in the Lives of Autistic Adults Through a hermeneutic-phenomenological Lense. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:366-378. [PMID: 36323990 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Subjective experiences of autistic adults remain under-researched, especially in the field of art. To learn more about their uses and functions of music, we interviewed 13 autistic adults and through a hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis found four overarching themes: Well-being, Identity and self-development, Connectedness, and Negative experiences. Findings show a broad and deep meaning of music in their lives, spanning from seemingly trivial functions such as making chores more enjoyable, to existential questions, such as choosing to stay alive. We discuss the often-overlooked negative effects or experiences of music, noting that positive and negative effects must always be addressed together if we are to use music to lower stress and support well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Korošec
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Norra stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Music, Pedagogy and Society, Royal College of Music, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center for Social Sustainability, Institution of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Walter Osika
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Norra stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Social Sustainability, Institution of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Bojner-Horwitz
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Norra stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 113 64, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Music, Pedagogy and Society, Royal College of Music, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Social Sustainability, Institution of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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