Exploring the Effects of Music Therapy on Pediatric Pain: Phase 1

Journal

Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2007

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients during nursing procedures. Nine subjects were randomly selected to participate in this study. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected on the patients' pain, anxiety, heart rate, blood oxygenation, and engagement level through measurement tools and interviews. The results from the qualitative and quantitative data indicated that music therapy reduced pain, anxiety, and behavioral distress. The quantitative data were analyzed and an inverse relationship between engagement in music therapy and lower behavioral distress scores was noted. Additionally, a linear relationship between engagement and behavioral distress was noted; significance was found but was moderated by the age of the child. However, no significant relationship was found between heart rate and behavioral distress. The results from the qualitative data from the interviews with the patients, parents, nurses and music therapist indicated that music therapy reduced pain and anxiety, and that engagement in music therapy enhanced relaxation. In addition, music therapy positively affected patients' mood, compliance, and the relaxation level. Finally, parents/guardians and nurses involved in the study reported that music therapy helped them to feel more relaxed as well.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Adolescents; Anxiety; Anxiety Scales; Burns; Children; Distress; Engagement Level; Heart Rate; Interviews; Mental Relaxation; Mood; Music Listening; Music Therapy; Oxygen Saturation; Pain Score or Rating; Receptive Music Methods; Recorded Music Listening; Relaxation; Self-Report Measures; Willingness to Undergo Procedure; Wound Care

Indexed Terms

Adolescents; Analysis of Variance; Anxiety; Burn Units; Burns; Children; Child Behavior; Nursing Evaluation Research; Pain; Pain Measurement; Statistics, Nonparametric; Stress

Study Type

Mixed Methods

PubMed ID

17645386

Document Type

Article

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