The Role of Music in Pediatric Settings

Abstract

Introduction

Music can be introduced into the hospital setting in various ways, and it has been proven to have a positive effect on patients` well-being. It can also serve as a way of pain management [1]. Music therapy is provided by professionally trained therapists who engage with patients and their parents in musical improvisation through the use of instruments, singing, body movement, and speech, with the aim of enhancing well-being and alleviating pain. In this study we evaluate experiences and observations of students who accompany the therapist and actively participate in the therapeutic process. The findings aim to provide insight into the nature of interactions and relational processes established between the implementers and recipients of music therapy.

Methods

The study included eight female musical art students who participated in a total of thirty music therapy sessions conducted at the pediatric clinic. Each student completed a questionnaire designed to capture their observations and subjective experiences. Six of them were invited to take part in a phenomenological interview, aiming to obtain richer, first-person insights into their experiences. Through qualitative data analysis, we aim to identify recurring themes and categories that can enhance our understanding of the various aspects and nuances involved in introducing music into a sensitive and vulnerable clinical environment. In addition to their observational reports, the study also explores the students’ own experience of participating in the therapeutic process.

Discussion

According to existing studies [2], interactive music therapy with hospitalized pediatric patients has a calming and enjoyable effect on both the children and their parents. Our study is still ongoing, however, preliminary reports indicate that some children respond very positively to the therapy. They become engaged, and their mood improves. We have observed that parental involvement plays a significant role in shaping how children interact with the therapists and the music. When parents collaborate and encourage their children to participate, the children tend to have more positive experiences. Furthermore, it appears that therapy is beneficial for parents too. Students report that presence of staff during therapy influences the dynamics of it. Beyond their observations, students also reflect on their own emotional and experiential responses, describing moments of joy, uncertainty, and personal growth as they accompany the therapeutic process. These findings highlight the relational nature of music interventions, suggesting that their success depends not only on the child and the therapist, but also on the broader social context.

References

[1] T.-T. Zhang et al., "The effects of music therapy on peripherally inserted central catheter in hospitalized children with leukemia," Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, pp. 1–11, Jun. 2022.

[2] M. E. Barrera, M. H. Rykov, and S. L. Doyle, "The effects of interactive music therapy on hospitalized children with cancer: a pilot study," Psycho-Oncology, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 379–388, 2002.