The responses of hospitalized medical patients to music therapy

Journal/Book: Music Therapy. 1981; 1: 51-56.

Abstract: Examined emotional and attitudinal responses of 46 medical patients who participated in music therapy. Ss ranged in age from 21 to 82 yrs, and participation in both music therapy and the questionnaire study was voluntary. Music therapy reduced perceived discomfort: 19% of Ss reported a lot of or tremendous discomfort at presession, as compared to 11% at postsession. A comparison of self-ratings of presession and postsession mood indicated positive improvements in all affective states. Ss perceived themselves as significantly more cheerful, less sad, more satisfied, and less lonely at postsession. Improvements in feeling grouchy and scared did not reach significance, Music therapy was judged to be very enjoyable by 74% and somewhat enjoyable by 24%. Music therapy and having visitors were judged to be the most helpful of 7 hospital activities, while being alone was judged least helpful. Finally, 80% of Ss felt that music therapy made the hospital stay better. (11 ref)

Note: music therapy; discomfort; 21 82 yr old hospitalized medical patients

Keyword(s): Music therapy; medical patients; physical comfort; adulthood

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