Enhancing music therapy for developmental psychopathology: The role of technology in advancing therapeutic outcomes.

Music therapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable intervention for individuals with developmental psychopathology. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of music therapy and explore the enhancement of therapeutic outcomes through technological advancements such as virtual reality (VR), interactive music applications, and telehealth. A total of 67 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) method to assess the effect of music therapy on emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive development in individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Meta-analytical evidence showed that music therapy produced moderate-to-large effect sizes in improving psychological and social functioning. The integration of digital tools in music therapy presented new opportunities for accessibility and engagement, although challenges including cost, ethical considerations, and the need for standardized protocols remained. This review found study gaps and offered recommendations for future investigations on optimizing technology-enhanced music therapy intervention.