Music Technology Tools – A Therapist-in-a-box?

Human–Computer Interaction and the Co-Creation of Mental Health

Authors

  • Kjetil Høyer Jonassen Ansgar University College & Sørlandet Hospital, ABUP, Kristiansand, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.3308

Keywords:

Music technology, iPad, agency, co-creation, mental health and wellbeing

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of technology in music therapy and public health, focusing on the human–computer interaction and the cocreation of mental health. Foundational theory explaining the possible therapeutic dynamics that can occur when engaged in digital technology is presented, along with two case vignettes that illustrate how adolescents interact with digital music technology to promote mental health and wellbeing. The discussion includes reflections concerning actor-network theory, agency, and affordance-theory, and it argues that the iPad should be considered a valuable co-agent in the agent-network functioning to promote adolescents’ mental health.

Author Biography

Kjetil Høyer Jonassen, Ansgar University College & Sørlandet Hospital, ABUP, Kristiansand, Norway

Kjetil Høyer Jonassen is a Cand. Philol. in music and an assistant professor in music at Ansgar University College in Kristiansand, Norway. He is currently pursuing a PhD in popular music at the University of Agder, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Popular Music, where he is doing research on mobile music technology in mental health care. This research is done in cooperation with Sørlandet Hospital (SSHF), Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ABUP) in Kristiansand, Norway. Additionally, as a keyboard player, he is working as a live and session musician, arranger and composer.

Photo of author Kjetil Høyer Jonassen

Published

2021-07-01

How to Cite

Jonassen, K. H. (2021). Music Technology Tools – A Therapist-in-a-box? Human–Computer Interaction and the Co-Creation of Mental Health. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v21i2.3308

Issue

Section

Position Papers