The effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of breast cancer survivors

  • Patricia Martí Augé Fundació Oncolliga, Lliga Catalana d'Ajuda Oncològica Universitat Ramon Llull. FPCEE Blanquerna. Barcelona
  • Melissa Mercadal-Brotons Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC)
  • Carme Solé Resano Universitat Ramon Llull. FPCEE Blanquerna. Barcelona
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2015.v12.n1.48907
Keywords: Breast cancer, survivor, music therapy, mood, quality of life, group treatment.

Abstract

Introduction: Even when the oncologic treatments are completed, breast cancer patients still may experience physical and psychological distress.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Method: Eleven free-disease women participated in a music therapy program. Treatment consisted of 8 weekly group music therapy sessions, 90 minutes/session. Participants completed the following instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post): HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), POMS-A (Profile of Mood States), Quality of Life EORTC-QLQ-30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30). A 3 item Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress was administered at the beginning and ending of each session (pre/post session). An Evaluation Questionnaire was administered at the end of the program.

Results: The POMS-A results showed a statistical significant improvement in the Total Mood Disturbance Scores and in the Tension Subscale. No significant changes were found in the Anxiety and Depression HADS subscales. Quality of Life only significantly improved in the Emotional Functioning EORTC Subscale. A significant improvement has been found in the 3 NRS items. The Evaluation Questionnaire shows that participants have perceived this type of intervention as very useful and at a very satisfactory level.

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Published
2015-04-20
How to Cite
Martí Augé P., Mercadal-Brotons M. y Solé Resano C. (2015). The effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Psicooncología, 12(1), 105-128. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2015.v12.n1.48907
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2015)
Section
Articles

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