How much do you think about the process of thinking? If you said, “Not at all,” that’s ok. Our fast-paced world often makes it hard to find time to think in general, much less be able to think about the process of thinking and the cognitive skills that help us with planning and doing what we want to do. Likewise, with the various stressors we face, and the traumas that we may have experienced or continue to experience (hello, life in the 21st century!) I get that it can be hard to think clearly at all.
However, I believe that it’s important that we better understand how our minds operate. That’s because regardless of how old you are, the better you understand yourself and how your brain operates, the better you can navigate your way in the world. When you understand how you think and process information it can be easier to work with your mind, rather than against it. As well, it can help you give yourself a little more compassion when you’re struggling.
That’s why I’m going to write about executive functioning today. As a therapist who works with people of different ages, I have seen executive dysfunction show up in different ways. Because of this, I know the ways it can wreak havoc in one’s life and I have worked with clients to find ways to effectively work with, rather than against, their brains.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the significance of executive functioning, how it develops as we age, and illustrate the transformative impact music therapy can have in bolstering these vital skills. I hope that this post will provide you with some helpful information so that you can better understand how your brain operates or how the brain of someone you love operates.
Why Executive Functioning Is Important
You might be wondering why executive functioning is important. There are many reasons why it’s important. One reason is that executive functioning skills help us to do things because they help us to plan and prioritize what we need to do. As well, executive functioning helps us to focus and maintain our attention on what we want or need to do. Additionally, the executive functioning skill of impulse control can help us to stop and think before acting.
Understanding Executive Functioning
So now you may be wondering, “What is executive functioning exactly?” Executive functioning is a set of cognitive processes that govern our behavior. It influences our actions and decisions. Needless to say, because of this, it plays an important role in our daily lives. For example, from setting goals to practicing self-control, executive functioning influences how we navigate the world.
Effective executive functioning is crucial for achieving personal goals and navigating life’s challenges. However, individuals with neurodivergences, such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bipolar Disorder, or those who have experienced trauma, may encounter difficulties in these areas.
The Components of Executive Functioning
Executive functioning involves several components. These include self-awareness, self-restraint, non-verbal and verbal working memory, emotional regulation, self-motivation, and planning and problem-solving. Each component plays a unique role in shaping our abilities to focus, prioritize, and achieve our objectives.
Brain Functions That Influence Executive Functioning
There are three types of brain functions that influence executive functioning, as well as self-regulation. They are working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. These elements influence how we recall information, adapt to various circumstances, and manage impulses, contributing to our overall success in learning and task completion. [1]
How Executive Functioning Skills Develop
The development of executive functioning begins in early childhood and continues into young adulthood. As the frontal lobes—the brain region managing executive functions—reach maturity, individuals gain better self-regulation and emotional management skills. However, adolescents, whose frontal lobes are still developing, often grapple with thrill-seeking behavior and impulsivity.
Adolescents’ brains undergo significant changes during adolescence which continues into their mid-to-late twenties. During this time, teens have a heightened enjoyment of thrilling experiences. This is attributed to incomplete myelination, the final stage of neurodevelopment. This myelination influences the limbic system’s reward center. As a result, adolescents may struggle with thoughtful planning and decision-making, highlighting the ongoing development of executive functioning during this period.
Causes of Executive Dysfunction
As I mentioned previously, executive dysfunction may arise due to neurodivergences like ADHD or Autism, or as a result of traumatic events. Additionally, heavy substance use and addiction can also have a negative impact on executive functioning. [2] Individuals experiencing executive dysfunction may struggle with prioritization, problem-solving, organization, and time management. While not a standalone mental health diagnosis, executive dysfunction commonly coexists with specific conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, or trauma.
Therefore, it is important to find ways to support the development and maintenance of healthy executive functioning. Because executive functioning skills are something that we can develop to a certain degree, there’s no need to lose hope if you or someone you love is dealing with executive dysfunction. (Within reason depending on their specific circumstances of course. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease aren’t curable and so there will inevitably be a steady decrease in executive functioning with those conditions. Although music therapy can still help even in those conditions.)
Music Therapy as a Catalyst for Executive Functioning
Music therapy emerges as a powerful ally in developing and supporting executive functioning. This is in part because of the complexity of music which serves as a neurological and multisensory experience. As such, music can provide structure, grounding, and inspiration. Its intrinsic and extrinsic motivational aspects make it a versatile tool that can be tailored to individual needs, preferences, and goals.
Below are some ways in which music therapy can address specific areas of executive functioning. Along with this are reasons why music can help in these ways.
Attention and Focus
- Active music-making, like playing an instrument, demands attention and focus.
- Rhythm games, such as those that involve back-and-forth recall, enhance attention and impulse control.
- Intentional music listening sharpens focus on specific elements, which fosters attentive listening.
Motivation
- Learning to play desired instruments or songs taps into existing motivation.
- Songwriting or recording oneself playing music explores talents and boosts self-motivation.
Self-Awareness and Meta-Cognition
- Analyzing and reflecting on musical performances fosters self-awareness and meta-cognition. These performances can be both those you create for yourself or recordings of others’ performances.
- Questioning the experience of playing a piece encourages clients to assess their actions. Encouraging this kind of self-reflection can also help clients to connect to their present moment experience.
Impulse Control
- Drumming activities, such as those that involve stopping on command, serve as effective impulse control exercises.
- Exploring different drumming styles opens avenues for discussing emotions and internal experiences.
Short-Term Memory
- Rhythm games test short-term memory, attention, and focus simultaneously.
- Call-and-response rhythm games enhance memory by recalling and reproducing played rhythms.
Planning and Prioritization
- Learning to play instruments involves prioritizing aspects like rhythms, melody, dynamics, and tempo.
- Memorizing musical pieces encourages step-by-step planning and prioritization.
Are You Affected By Executive Dysfunction? Want Help?
After reading this, you may see yourself or someone you love in what I’ve written and are wondering if music therapy might help you. If so, reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
At SoundWell Music Therapy, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to harness the power of music in enhancing executive functioning. If improving your executive functioning is a goal, let’s embark on a musical journey together to harmonize your mind and amplify your executive functioning skills. You can schedule your consultation here.
Embark on a harmonious journey with me at SoundWell Music Therapy. It’s a place where music can meet the mind for transformative executive functioning support.
References
[1] Executive Function & Self-Regulation – Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child [2] The Impact of Drugs of Abuse on Executive Function: Characterizing Long-Term Changes in Neural Correlates Following Chronic Drug Exposure and Withdrawal in Rats – Adam T. Brockett, Heather J. Pribut, Daniela Vázquez, and Matthew R. Roesch