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Paper 2026-46

РАЗВИТИЕ НА ЕМОЦИОНАЛНИ УМЕНИЯ ЧРЕЗ МУЗИКОТЕРАПИЯ ПРИ ЛИЦА С ИНТЕЛЕКТУАЛНИ ЗАТРУДНЕНИЯ

Димитрина Йорданова Калоянова
Бургаски държавен университет „Проф. д-р Асен Златаров“, Бургас

DEVELOPMENT OF EMOTIONAL SKILLS THROUGH MUSIC THERAPY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Dimitrina Yordanova Kaloyanova
Burgas State University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov”, Burgas

Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy program designed to enhance emotional intelligence by improving emotional recognition and expression, emotional self-regulation, and social interaction skills. The study employed an experimental research design involving an experimental group and a control group. Empirical data were collected using the method of structured observation, implemented through a standardized observation protocol comprising four key indicators: the ability to express emotions, recognition of others’ emotions, participation in group activities, and regulation of negative emotions. Participants were assessed using a five-point rating scale before and after a 12-week music therapy intervention, which included music listening, rhythmic exercises, singing, musical-dramatic games, and musical improvisation. The findings revealed significant improvements across all assessed indicators in the experimental group. The overall mean score increased from 2.43 to 3.93 points (+1.50 points; approximately 61.7%), whereas the control group showed only a marginal increase from 2.43 to 2.63 points (+0.20 points; approximately 8.2%). Across all indicators, the experimental group demonstrated substantially higher post-intervention scores than the control group, indicating the positive impact of the implemented music therapy program on the development of emotional and social competencies. The results confirm the effectiveness of music therapy as both an educational and a therapeutic approach to fostering emotional intelligence and support its application in educational and socio-pedagogical practice.

Keywords: music therapy; emotional intelligence; social interaction; educational intervention

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