Music Making, Empathy, Prosocial Behavior, and Happiness: A Bullying Intervention Strategy (Poster 14)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Sessions 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Qualitative Methodologies and Social Justice in Education

Abstract

The prevention of bullying in early childhood enables a safe learning environment that nurtures the development of socioemotional health and well-being. In the current paper, we examine a novel bullying intervention grounded in music. We discover that songwriting and performing as an ensemble fosters opportunities for children to develop prosocial behaviors and empathy. Results illustrate how music can become a medium for early learners to comprehend challenging concepts such as bullying, and depict how this intervention supports the dismantling of injustices. Moreover, our paper reveals how this approach expands beyond traditional intervention programs by opening a door to new possibilities that enables minority and marginalized students to be active agents in inhibiting negative behaviors.

Authors

• Matthew Yanko, University of British Columbia

• Peter J. Gouzouasis, University of British Columbia