Music, dementia and spousal relationship quality
In this PhD project, Kristi Stedje examines if shared music experiences/music interventions affect relationship quality in spousal couples where one of them is diagnosed with dementia. The project is connected to the international HOMESIDE study, in which caregivers of persons with dementia will receive training by a music therapist to conduct music interventions with the person with dementia. In this PhD project, a mixed method design will be used to explore if the HOMESIDE music interventions has effect on the spouses’ relationship quality, and if the relationship change or develop through the music interventions. Statistical data from HOMESIDE regarding relationship quality in the couples pre intervention and post intervention will be used, combined with qualitative data from interviews with the couples and video analysis of the music interventions.