Cancer Patients' Interest and Preferences for Music Therapy

Journal

Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2005

Abstract

The reason for lack of routine integration of music therapy into healthcare may be that patients are not comfortable being involved in a music therapy intervention. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine cancer patients' interest in and preferences for using 2 types of music therapy interventions, music-making and music listening. Sixty-five patients completed the Music Interest Survey in addition to standardized measures of coping, affect, anxiety, and fatigue. Results suggest adult cancer patients are interested in music therapy, especially music listening. Patient interest and preference were associated with negative affect, anxiety, age, perceived intervention-specific benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy. Findings highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of patient needs and preferences prior to intervention.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anxiety; Cancer; Coping; Fatigue; Music Listening; Music Therapy; Receptive Music Methods; Recreative Music Methods

Indexed Terms

Age Factors; Behavior; Choice Behavior; Emotions; Neoplasms; Relaxation Therapy; Surveys and Questionnaires

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS