Compensation principle

The compensation principle in music therapy

The compensation principle describes how music is used specifically to compensate for mental or physical impairments. Music serves as a therapeutic tool that supports or replaces lost or impaired functions in the emotional, cognitive or motor areas.

Motor compensation

Music can help to improve movement disorders. Rhythmic music in particular provides a structure that facilitates and stabilizes movement. One example is neurological music therapy (NMT), which is used for Parkinson’s patients or after a stroke. Here, music supports mobility and helps to relearn movement sequences.

Emotional balance

Music can express feelings when words fail. In psychotherapeutic music therapy, it helps to release blockages and restore inner balance. People with depression or trauma in particular benefit from this. Music builds a bridge to their feelings and enables access to emotional experiences.

Cognitive compensation

Music also has an effect on cognitive impairments such as dementia. Studies show that familiar melodies can activate memories. Even if speech is already severely impaired, music enables access to one’s own past and strengthens the identity of those affected.

Scientific perspectives

Research confirms the effectiveness of the compensation principle. A study by Richard von Georgi shows that music can be used specifically to regulate emotions. In addition, the publication Research problems of music therapy discusses whether the iso principle or the compensation principle should dominate. Further studies, e.g. in the journal “Unterhaltungsmusik – Musik zur Unterhaltung”, shed light on how music can be used as a counterbalance to the current mood.