The Effect of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music on the Mood and Life Quality of Cancer Patients

D. S. Burns

Journal

Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2001

Abstract

Cancer patients continue to experience elevated levels of emotional distress, even after cancer treatment. Elevated emotional distress negatively impacts immune and endocrine functions and decreases life quality. This study explored the effectiveness of GIM in alleviating mood disturbance and improving quality of life in cancer patients. Eight volunteers with a cancer history were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a wait-list control group. Experimental subjects individually participated in 10 weekly GIM sessions. All subjects completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Quality of Life-Cancer (QOL-CA) questionnaires pretest, posttest, and at a 6-week follow-up. Individuals who participated in GIM sessions scored better on both mood scores and quality of life scores at posttest than those participating in the control group. Additionally, mood and quality of life scores continued to improve in the experimental group, even after sessions were complete. Results indicate that GIM was effective in improving mood and quality of life in these cancer patients.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music; Cancer; Distress; Elderly; Guided Imagery; Mental Health; Mood; Mood Scales; Music Therapy; Music and Imagery; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Self-Report Measures; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

Affect; Elderly; Depressive Disorder, Major; Follow-Up Studies; Imagery, Psychotherapy; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires

Study Type

Randomized Controlled Trial; Quantitative Methods

PubMed ID

11407965

Document Type

Article

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