A Survey Investigation of the Effects of Music Listening on Chronic Pain
Journal
Psychology of Music
Year
2007
Abstract
A study is presented that surveyed 318 chronic pain sufferers. The study aimed to: (1) give a detailed description of the music listening behavior of this group and relate this to experience of pain and quality of life; and (2) indicate the numbers who consider music listening to be part of their pain management and investigate their perceptions of the benefits. The results showed that distraction and relaxation were the most frequently perceived benefits of music reported by participants. Both frequent listening and a perception of music as personally important were further found to relate to higher quality of life. In addition, personal importance of music was significantly related to listening to help pain. These findings suggest beneficial effects of music listening to long-term pain sufferers.
Music and Health Institute Terms
Chronic Pain; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Pain; Pain Management and Control; Quality of Life; Recorded Music Listening; Relaxation; Suffering
Indexed Terms
Statistical Analysis; Music Perception; Pain Management
Study Type
Descriptive Analysis; Quantitative Methods
PubMed ID
1340567
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
MacDonald, A. R., Knussen, C., Serpell, M. G., & Mitchell, L. A. (2007). A Survey Investigation of the Effects of Music Listening on Chronic Pain. Psychology of Music, 35 (1), 37-57. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-music-pain-articles/55