2nd Annual Meeting, Seattle 2010
Title: Mama Music: Promoting health and harmony in the lives of adolescent mothers and their infants
with singing
Author: Jean Emmerson (University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon)
Introduction and aim of contributing to AIRS Goals and Milestones
Mama Music is an investigation into the use of singing to promote health and harmony in the lives of
adolescent mothers and their infants. Through both group and individual singing, we propose to facilitate
infant social-emotional development, strengthen the mother-infant bond, and enhance adolescent mother
coping ability. We expect to work with about ten youth and their infants for three to four months in this
action research study. This research contributes to the AIRS project’s stated goals, and will provide a
foundation for continued advancement of knowledge within theme 3.3. We also anticipate opportunities for
cross-collaboration of ideas with themes 1 and 2.
Method
The study will utilize multiple methods (e.g., standardized measures, interviews, arts-based strategies) to
describe and evaluate the program, which will involve a mother-infant group and a mothers-only group,
developed and implemented in partnership with a Saskatoon secondary school that provides daycare
facilities and youth parenting classes alongside traditional curricula. A variety of children’s songs will be
taught to facilitate mother and infant connection and promote infant social-emotional skills, such as turn
taking and interacting. The sessions for the mothers will focus on singing for health, e.g., songwriting and
self-expression, favourite songs and personal identity, and singing for stress management and the
fulfillment of emotional needs.
Results
Work in progress; research data collection anticipated to begin January 2011.
Discussion
Research reveals that adolescent motherhood is linked to poverty and a cycle of future adolescent mothers
in poverty (Pogarsky, Thornberry & Lizotte, 2006). High schools offering these youth parenting classes
along with traditional curricula and daycare facilities for their infants can help break this cycle (Deutscher,
Fewell & Gross, 2006). The literature indicates support for the therapeutic use of music to reinforce
adolescent coping skills and increase feelings of wellbeing (Saarikallio & Erkkila, 2007). Research also
suggests that singing can strengthen mother-child bonging 9O’Gorman, 2007). As yet, no studies have
examined the use of singing to enhance teen mothers’ health and increase harmony in their interactions
with their infant. We plan to develop a model to connect these areas.
Bios
Jean Emmerson previously a teenage muffin. Strange but true: in her younger days, she toured Canada
and the northern States with the band Martha and the Muffins. She is now a PhD student carrying out
research under the supervision of Jennifer Nicol at the University of Saskatchewan. Ms. Emmerson has two
undergraduate degrees, one in music and another in education (BFA, York; BEd, U of T), a graduate degree
in counseling psychology (MA, Chicago) and certificates in special education and language (U of Toronto).
These studies have shaped and informed her 20+ years of work experience in a variety of educational
settings. She anticipates completion of her studies by Spring 2012. Her interest in AIRS pertains to research
examining singing as a means to promote health.

 Jennifer Nicol (PhD, MA, BMT, BofMus) is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan,
Canada. She is also an Accredited Music Therapist and Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Her research
focuses on the benefits of music, especially therapeutic benefits easily accessed and available for use in
everyday life. Dr. Nicol is a co-investigator and team leader (Singing and Health) in the AIRS project.