Receptive music therapy versus group music therapy with breast cancer patients hospitalized for surgery

Authors

• F. Lagattolla
• B. Zanchi
• M. Pietro
• C. Cormio
• V. Lorusso
• S. Diotaiuti
• A. Fanizzi
• R. Massafra
• S. Costanzo
• F. Caporale
• E. Rieti
• F. Romito

Journal

Supportive Care in Cancer

Year

2023

Abstract

Hospitalization for breast surgery is a distressing experience for women. This study investigated the impact of music therapy (MT), an integrative approach that is characterized by the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between patients and a certified music therapist, through different musical interventions targeted to the specific needs of the patients. The impact of two different MT experiences was compared on anxiety and distressing emotions. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one patients during hospitalization for breast surgery were randomly assigned to two music therapy treatment arms: individual/receptive (MTri) vs. group/active-receptive integrated (MTiGrp). Stress, depression, anger, and need for help were measured with the emotion thermometers (ET) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 form (STAY-Y1). Data were collected before and after the MT intervention. RESULTS: Both types of MT interventions were effective in reducing all the variables: stress, depression, anger, and anxiety (T Student p‹0.01). Patients' perception of help received was correlated with a significant reduction in anxiety and distressing emotions during hospitalization for breast surgery. CONCLUSION: Considerations regarding the implementation of MT interventions in clinical practice are discussed. In individual receptive MT, there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels, whereas in the integrated MT group, there was a higher perception of help received and use of inter-individual resources.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anger; Anxiety; Breast Cancer; Cancer; Distress; Emotional Functioning; Music Therapy; Stress; Surgical Patients

Indexed Terms

Emotions; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms; Anxiety; Emotion thermometers; Group music therapy; Psychological distress; Stress

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

PubMed ID

PMCID: PMC9924845

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Lagattolla, F., Zanchi, B., Pietro, M., Cormio, C., Lorusso, V., Diotaiuti, S., Fanizzi, A., Massafra, R., Costanzo, S., Caporale, F., Rieti, E., & Romito, F. (2023). Receptive music therapy versus group music therapy with breast cancer patients hospitalized for surgery. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31 (3), 162. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-citations/1960