Who Conducted This Research?
This study was led by researchers from Drexel University and Temple University in Philadelphia, USA. These institutions are well-regarded for their work in creative arts therapies, including music therapy.
About Drexel University
Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions is a leader in innovative health research. Their focus on creative arts therapies makes them a hub for exploring how music can heal.
About Temple University
Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance is home to groundbreaking studies on music therapy. Their work is internationally recognized for integrating arts into health care.
What Was the Study About?
The researchers reviewed 81 trials involving 5,576 participants to see how music therapy and music medicine could help people with cancer. These trials included both adults and children.
- Music Therapy: Provided by trained therapists using live or recorded music tailored to the patient.
- Music Medicine: Involves listening to pre-recorded music offered by medical staff.
How Was the Study Done?
Participants received either music therapy, music medicine, or standard care. Researchers measured anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, and other psychological and physical outcomes before and after the interventions.
What Did They Find?
Here’s what the study revealed:
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Reduced Anxiety
- Adults experienced an average 7.73-point drop on a 20–80 anxiety scale.
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Improved Mood
- Hope increased by 3.19 points on a 12–48 scale.
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Less Pain
- Pain scores decreased by 0.67 standard deviations.
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Lower Fatigue
- Fatigue reduced slightly, with a 0.28 standard deviation drop.
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Better Quality of Life
- Music therapy showed a moderate improvement in quality of life scores.
Why Does This Matter?
Cancer can cause emotional and physical stress. This study shows that music interventions, especially music therapy, can:
- Reduce anxiety and depression.
- Help manage pain and fatigue.
- Improve overall quality of life.
How Can You Try This?
- Listen to calming music during stressful moments.
- Create a playlist of your favorite songs.
- Consider live music or sessions with a music therapist if available.
Want to Learn More?
The original study is titled "Music Interventions for Improving Psychological and Physical Outcomes in People with Cancer", published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. You can access the full study here.
Join the Conversation!
Have you ever used music to feel better during tough times? Share your experience in the comments below and let’s inspire each other!
