Catalog of Assessment Tools
Music Therapy Expression and Communication Scale (MECS)
Catalog of Assessment Tools
Music Therapy Expression and Communication Scale (MECS)
| Title (Acronym) | Music Therapy Expression and Communication Scale (MECS) |
| Author(s) | Dorothee von Moreau |
| Publication date | 1996; 2009, Doctoral Thesis (University Witten-Herdecke, Germany) |
| Publisher info | Not published, contact: dorothee.von.moreau@hfmt-hamburg.de |
| Purpose | To assess children and adolescents in psychiatric context using an observational scale focusing on expressive and communicative behavior |
| Test Category |
Test |
| Population | Children and adolescents (not yet validated for adults) |
| Scores | Two subscales based on 27 items graduated in 7 levels with each level operationalized exactly. The Expression Scale measures the client’s expressive behavior in a free improvisation (solo-play). The communication scale measures the client’s communicative behavior in a free improvisation (duo-play with the therapist). |
| Administration | Individual and dyad with the therapist. |
| Time | For research purposes, 10 min rating of representative videos scenes of the assessment session (20 min). For clinical use, rating after an assessment session. |
| Comments |
The scales were evaluated in two studies (Moreau 1996, 2009): reliability, α > .70 (Cronbach), objectivity for almost all items r > .70 (Pearson), significant differentiation between clients and age independency (ANOVA), significant of change (MANOVA). Correlation to core aspects of psychopathology (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ) and dimensions of temperament and personality (Junior Temperament and Character Inventory, JTCI), specific MAKS profiles for clinical groups Besides the scale the items are explained in an operationalization sheet, special training is recommended. |
| CROSS REFERENCES |
Matten, K.M. (2014) Darstellung einer Flexibilisierung des erstarrten Bezugskorrelats durch 4 Items der Musiktherapeutischen Ausdrucks- und Kommunikationsskala. Bachelorthesis SRH Hochschule Heidelberg.
Plum, F.J., Lodemann, E., Bender, S., Finkbeiner, T., Gastpar, M. (2002): Gruppenmusiktherapie mit schizophrenen Patienten. Entwicklung des Kontakt-verhaltens, des improvisatorischen Spielausdrucks und der Psychopathologie. In: Nervenheilkunde 10, S. 522-528. |
| Reference |
Moreau D.v. (2018) Music Therapy expression and Communication Scale MAKS. In: S.L.Jacobsen, E. G. Waldon, & G. Gattino (Eds.), Music therapy assessment. Theory, research, and application. Jessica Kingsley. Moreau D.v., Ellgring H., Goth K., Poustka F., Aldridge D. (2010). Psychometric results of the Music Therapy Scale for Measuring Expression and Communication. Music and Medicine, 2(1), 41-47. Moreau D.v. (2003): MAKS – A scale for measurement of expressive and musical behaviour. Music Therapy Today (online), 4(4). http://musictherapyworld.net. Moreau, D.v. (2009) Evaluation der Musiktherapeutischen Ausdrucks- und Kommunikationsskala (MAKS). Dissertation Universität Witten-Herdecke, Germany. Moreau, D.v. (1996) Entwicklung und Evaluation eines Beschreibungssystems (MAKS) zum Ausdrucks- und Kommunikationsverhalten in der Musiktherapie. Diplomarbeit Universität Würzburg, Germany. |
| REVIEW | None. |
| Description | MAKS is a phenomenological rating scale for clinical use. There are two MAKS Scales consisting of 27 items graduated in 7 levels with each level exactly operationalized:The Expression Scale measures the client’s expressive behavior in a free improvisation (solo-play) with the extracted factors Flexibility, Form, Power, Vitality, and Emotionality. The Communication Scale measures the client’s communicative behavior in a free improvisation (duo-play with the therapist) and the extracted factors Independence and Contact. Suitable for clinical use and research (treatment planning, pre-post-testing) regarding assessment protocol and guidelines for interpretation. English versions are available with the English Expression Scale validated. |