Matthew Leon

2/19/2025

Abstract

Pediatric patients often experience high levels of stress and anxiety in medical environments, especially those with pre-existing conditions or traumatic histories. This anxiety can lead to resistance during medical procedures, making treatment more difficult for both patients and healthcare providers. Music therapy has been proposed as an effective intervention to reduce anxiety, enhance emotional resilience, and improve patient cooperation. This study examines the impact of music therapy on a pediatric patient named Evie, focusing on anxiety reduction, behavioral changes, and the overall medical experience. The results suggest that music therapy significantly reduces anxiety, improves cooperation during medical procedures, and provides long-term emotional benefits. This highlights the potential value of incorporating music therapy into pediatric healthcare.

 

 

Introduction & Hypothesis

Medical environments can be stressful for children, specifically those with pre-existing conditions or traumatic histories. Stress and anxiety can lead to resistance to medical procedures, making treatment more challenging for both patients and healthcare providers. Music therapy has been proposed as a method to reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience.

This study hypothesizes that integrating music therapy into hospital  care will reduce patient anxiety, improve overall cooperation during medical procedures, and create a more positive healthcare experience for children. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that structured musical engagement can provide long-term emotional benefits, promoting coping strategies that extend beyond the hospital setting.

Materials & Methods

This study focused on analyzing music therapy sessions with Evie, a pediatric patient who was adopted from China at the age of four. The research team observed and documented changes in her behavior and stress levels during and after music therapy sessions. To assess the impact of the therapy, data were collected on Evie’s responses before, during, and after each session. Physiological signs of stress, such as muscle tension, vocal distress, heart rate fluctuations, and overall demeanor, were carefully recorded.

During the music therapy intervention, a trained music therapist played songs and encouraged Evie’s active participation, tailoring the song choices to Evie’s personal preferences, such as songs from her favorite movies and shows. This personalized approach helped maintain a high level of engagement throughout the sessions.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Evie’s emotional and behavioral responses, qualitative data were collected from her caregivers and medical professionals. They provided insights into her behavior and interactions before and after each music therapy session. The team also compared Evie’s reactions to previous medical visits where no music therapy was used, which served as a baseline for assessing changes in distress levels and procedural cooperation.

 

Results

Everlyse “Evie” Hurst, on the keyboard, and Mott music therapist Emma Wymer.

The introduction of music therapy brought noticeable changes in Evie’s emotional state and overall behavior. One of the most significant observations was a marked reduction in anxiety. When music was introduced, Evie engaged in singing and displayed reduced resistance to medical procedures. Her breathing returned to a normal rate, and her vocal expressions of distress significantly decreased.

Medical staff noted that Evie exhibited improved cooperation during medical procedures, such as EEG monitoring. The process was much smoother compared to previous visits, with fewer interruptions, suggesting that music therapy helped Evie become more receptive to instructions and less anxious during the procedure.

Both parents and caregivers reported positive changes in Evie’s mood and overall attitude toward medical treatment. They observed an increase in her confidence, and she expressed eagerness to interact with the music therapist. Additionally, music therapy had an extended impact beyond the hospital setting. Evie began using music at home as a coping mechanism for anxiety-inducing situations, such as dental visits and navigating unfamiliar environments.

Discussion

The results align with previous research suggesting that music therapy is beneficial for pediatric patients experiencing medical anxiety. The Nordoff-Robbins approach emphasizes individualized musical engagement, which was evident in Evie’s case. Music therapy serves not only as a tool for immediate stress relief but also as an ongoing resource for developing emotional resilience in young patients.

Several factors contributed to the success of this intervention, including the therapist’s ability to personalize the music selection and Evie’s existing affinity for music. However, limitations include the variability in patient response and the need for trained therapists. Additionally, long-term effects remain underexplored. Future research should consider controlled studies with larger sample sizes to validate these findings.

The graph titled “% Improvement on IEP Goals in Music Therapy vs. Non-Music Settings” examines the impact of music therapy on students’ progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. It compares the effectiveness of music therapy to traditional, non-music educational settings. The data, sourced from Harmony Music Therapy’s 2018 study on music therapy in Utah schools, highlights the potential benefits of incorporating music therapy into educational programs for students with diverse needs.

According to the graph, students who received music therapy showed a higher rate of improvement in achieving their IEP goals, with an average increase of 23% compared to those who did not receive music therapy. The improvements ranged from 5% to 57% for music therapy and 6% to 42% for non-music settings. This suggests that music therapy can be a more effective intervention for helping students meet their educational objectives.

Further research could help identify the specific elements of music therapy that contribute to these positive outcomes and how they can be optimized for different student populations.

Conclusion

Music therapy serves as a valuable tool in pediatric healthcare, helping reduce anxiety and improve patient cooperation. The case of Evie demonstrates how music can transform a stressful medical experience into a manageable, even enjoyable one. Future studies should explore its effectiveness across a wider range of medical conditions and patient demographics, as well as its potential applications in long term emotional development and mental health support.

 

 

Citations

• “How Music Therapy Helps Sick Children Cope.” YouTube, PBS NewsHour, 20 Feb. 2025.
• Mostafavi, Beata. “Music Therapy Helps 8-Year-Old Girl Cope with Medical Visits.” Michigan Medicine, 26 Apr. 2019.
• Music therapy in special education: Data from Utah Schools. Harmony Music Therapy. (2018, December 7). https://harmonymusictherapy.com/music-therapy-in-special-education-data-from-utah-schools/
• “The Nordoff-Robbins Approach.” Nordoff-Robbins Foundation.