The use of music with hospitalized infants and toddlers: A descriptive study

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1984; 21: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. National Association for Music Therapy 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 930 20910 Silver Spring, Maryland USA. 126-132.

Abstract: This clinical study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of music in decreasing stress behaviors exhibited by hospitalized infants and toddlers. The sample consisted of 27 hospitalized infants and toddlers, ages 5 weeks to 36 months, who had demonstrated stress behaviors (defined as crying, throwing objects, absence of vocalization, lethargy, and/or body tension) during fifteen-minute observation sessions. Each subject was assigned to a music program implemented by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) on the Child Life staff. Programming included relaxation, didactic games, movement and songs. Sessions lasted from fifteen minutes to one hour. During the sessions, the subjects were observed and their behaviors were recorded on a checklist. Results of the study indicated that music plus interaction with a music therapist effectively reduced stress-related behaviors.

Keyword(s): music, hospitalized, infant, toddlers, stress.

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