No Between-Group Difference but Tendencies for Patient Support: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Pilot Study of a Resilience-Focused Music Therapy Protocol for Adults on a Medical Oncology/Hematology Unit

Publication date: Available online 17 June 2017 Source:The Arts in Psychotherapy Author(s): Lorissa Letwin, Michael J. Silverman During hospitalization for cancer treatment, patients can experience adversities that negatively impact quality of life and hinder recovery. Thus, it is important for patients to develop resilience to help them adapt, cope, and potentially overcome stressors within hospital and home environments. The purpose of this study was to determine if and how a two-day resilience-focused music therapy (RFMT) intervention might impact resilience in adults on a medical oncology/hematology unit. Participants (N =15) were randomly assigned to RFMT or a waitlist control condition. Participants in the RFMT condition received a two-day music therapy intervention: Resilience-themed patient-preferred live music (PPLM) on day one and RFMT through resilience-themed PPLM on day two. Experimental participants completed an individual semi-structured interview after the intervention. Quantitative results indicated no between-group difference at posttest. However, experimental participants tended to have slightly more favorable resilience and pain mean scores than control participants at posttest. Thematic analysis of patient feedback during interviews indicated that music therapy tended to (a) improve the therapeutic relationship, (b) highlight positive perceptions of music, (c) provide a positive distraction and improved mood, and (d) improve inner strength and hope. A...
Source: Arts in Psychotherapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research