Which type of music therapy uses music as a means of reinforcement or punishment to modify behavior?

Behavioral music therapy utilizes music as a tool for reinforcement or punishment, which is aimed at modifying specific behaviors. This approach is derived from principles of behaviorism, where positive reinforcement can encourage desired behaviors, while negative reinforcement or punishment can reduce undesired behaviors. In this context, music serves as an engaging medium that can enhance the effectiveness of these behavioral interventions.

This approach is particularly effective in settings such as schools or therapeutic environments where behavior modification is a primary goal. By integrating musical activities with reinforcement strategies, therapists can create a more appealing and enjoyable experience that encourages individuals to participate and adhere to desired behaviors.

In contrast, other forms of music therapy, like neurologic music therapy, focus primarily on cognitive and motor functions associated with neurological health, while cognitive-behavioral music therapy merges cognitive-behavioral techniques with musical interventions but does not emphasize reinforcement or punishment in the same way. Somatic music therapy tends to concentrate on body awareness and the physical experiences of music, rather than behavior modification. Therefore, the focus of behavioral music therapy on reinforcement and punishment distinctly aligns with the given question.