Personality type shapes acute anxiety response to music and medicine intervention during first chemotherapy (PEGASUS-2)

Journal

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Year

2026

Abstract

Music and medicine interventions are recognised for their effects on emotional regulation and stress reduction. However, limited research exists on how these interventions affect anxiety based on personality types, particularly in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music and medicine interventions on anxiety levels according to personality types in women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. In a controlled, cross-sectional case-control study, 120 women were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (music and medicine + chemotherapy) and a control group (chemotherapy only). The music playlist included classical, folk, and pop genres, and participants’ anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Personality types were determined post-treatment using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Revised Short Form. Serum C-reactive protein levels, blood pressure, and heart rate were also measured. Significant reductions were observed in anxiety levels, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and serum C-reactive protein levels in the music intervention group compared to the control group. Neurotic individuals showed the most substantial improvement in anxiety, with reductions in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that both neurotic personality type and the music intervention were significant predictors of anxiety reduction. Music and medicine interventions provide notable benefits in reducing anxiety, particularly in neurotic individuals. Personalised music therapy based on personality types could enhance the quality of life for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. While this study focuses on the immediate effects of MMI during the first chemotherapy session, future research should explore the long-term impacts to better understand the sustained efficacy of such interventions in managing anxiety across multiple treatment cycles. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anxiety; Breast Cancer; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Emotional Functioning; Music Medicine; Quality of Life; Stress

Indexed Terms

Anxiety; Emotional Regulation; Chemotherapy; Breast Neoplasms; C-Reactive Protein; Personality Traits

Study Type

Randomized Controlled Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

More Info

Share

COinS