Concluding Thoughts Article Swipe
YOU?
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· 2025
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-85724-9_9
· OA: W4412010104
This chapter explores the ethical considerations surrounding music therapy research involving children, with a particular focus on the principle of “the best interest of the child,” which is a central tenet of the UNCRC. The chapter discusses the importance of evidence-based practice in music therapy, which combines research findings, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform treatment decisions. However, the chapter highlights a significant gap in the literature, as research involving children in music therapy is limited, creating ethical challenges for practitioners aiming to make decisions in the best interest of their young patients. The chapter also reviews key ethical principles, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, that guide research with children, emphasizing the need for extra protection for those with diminished capacity for self-governance. It reflects on historical abuses in research, underscoring the importance of ensuring that children’s rights are protected in all research contexts.
