| Summary |
The purpose of this study was to examine whether music therapy could be an effective treatment for reducing anxiety in pediatric oncology patients receiving outpatient treatment. Hypothesis 1 stated there would be decreases in self reported anxiety levels of subjects, following music therapy interventions. Hypotheses 2 and 3 stated there would be decreases in behavioral indicators of anxiety, as reported by parents and child life specialists. Subjects (n=8) completed a FACE scale pre and post interventions, indicating their present level of anxiety. Adult participants completed a pre and post survey, providing ratings for the subject's anxiety levels. Music therapy interventions included activities that provided opportunities for emotional expression, social interaction, support for developmental stages, song choices, improvisation, and creative expression. Techniques included the use of familiar, age appropriate children's songs, and actively engaged subjects through group activities, song games, lyric substitution, playing rhythm instruments, or strumming on a guitar or Q-chord. Results indicated support for the use of music therapy to reduce anxiety in subjects, based on the data which included pre and post ratings and comments by adult participants, as well as the researcher's progress notes and observations. The music therapy interventions administered were effective in improving or maintaining positive affect for most subjects, increased social interaction and communication, served as an element of distraction, and provided comfort and support in a potentially threatening environment, for outpatient pediatric oncology patients. |
