A taxonomic framework of music-based intervention components to guide research: recommendations from the NIH U24 music research networks
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: As research on music and health expands across disciplines, inconsistent terminology limits communication, replication, and mechanistic discovery. The absence of a shared lexicon obscures comparisons across studies and hinders identification of the specific music-based intervention (MBI) components and mechanistic pathways responsible for change in health-related outcomes. Objective: To address this gap, a multidisciplinary working group representing four U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) U24 Music Research Networks developed and validated the Music-Based Intervention (MBI) Taxonomy. Methods: Using an iterative, expert consensus process, the working group developed an initial framework of MBI components, terms, and definitions. The draft taxonomy was subsequently validated, interrogated, and refined through a two-part systematic review of 200 studies, including 100 clinical MBI and 100 laboratory-based music studies, using a phased, iterative, consensus-based process. Results: The resulting taxonomy provides a hierarchical framework comprising seven core constructs of MBIs: Music Features; Person-Specific Music Factors; Engagement Mode; Music Delivery Factors; Social and Environmental Contexts; Music Selection; and Additional Non-Music Components. Across these constructs the taxonomy specifies components, subcomponents, recommended terminology, and definitions to support the conceptualization and description of mechanistic music research. Conclusion: The MBI Taxonomy aims to improve the consistency and transparency of MBI components, support mechanistic study conceptualization and design, and facilitate replication and cross-study synthesis. As a comprehensive meta-framework, it serves as a foundational tool to help overcome disciplinary silos and foster a more cohesive, rigorous body of mechanistic music research.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Institutions: Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, University of Memphis, University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Francisco, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Drexel University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Language: English
Topic: Music Therapy and Health
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Awards: G2646952755, G562287253, G7785665645, Music4Pain Network: A research network to advance the study of mechanisms underlying the effects of music and music-based interventions on pain., Music mechanisms and technologies network: Integrative models to address pain through music, Parent Social Buffering and Dyadic Music Intervention to Decrease Distress in Infants and Young Children during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and their Parents, Research Network to Accelerate Mechanistic Studies of Music for Dementia (RN-MusD), Effective Network to advance Scientific Evidence related to Mechanisms of music-Based interventions (ENSEMBLE)
OpenAlex ID: W7212022856