Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Music therapy|Mental health|Alternative medicine'

Live music is a popular activity that many adults attend regularly. Qualitative research on live music from a listener’s perspective and the meaning it brings to individuals’ lives is lacking. The purpose of this heuristic inquiry was to investigate the lived experience of attending live-music events from the perspective of adult concert-goers between the ages of 18 and 65 years. This phenomenon was explored through the primary research question, “What is the experience of attending live-music events?”

Eight co-researchers were selected to participate via a convenience sample recruitment strategy. Data was collected via open-ended interviews and analyzed through stages following the qualitative method of heuristic inquiry (Moustaskas, 1990).

Three main themes were found to be the core essence of the live music experience: (a) live music connects people deeply; (b) live music is a full body experience; and (c) live music can be transcendent. An increased energy or vitality was evident before, during, and after the live-music events. Co-researchers used these repeated experiences to release, renew, and recharge the positive emotions, and mental resources that they would in turn bring back to their everyday lives.

Findings from this research suggest that listening to live music is a mind-body-spirit practice that can be used by individuals to connect deeply to themselves, others, and something greater than what they know. As an inherently pleasurable activity, live music influenced people’s ability to be open-minded and appreciative for what they have in life. The experience positively impacted the participants physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, which may have implications on overall well-being.

This is the first qualitative study that demonstrated ways in which people can participate in live-music events as a method of self-care to enhance their sense of well-being through meaningful connections, mind-body awareness, and transcendent experiences. Future research studies should examine the effects of live music on overall health outcomes and components of well-being. Keywords: live music, well-being, transcendence, appreciation, mind-body-spirit practice

This action research project examines the researcher’s journey of establishing a therapeutic relationship with a child with autism spectrum disorder during her practicum. Children with ASD present difficulty in communication and social relationship skills. As a student in training with a limited experience, the researcher had uncertainty and low confidence with regard to her clinical and professional skills which affected her work. In this project, the researcher has examined her own process of music therapy with a child with ASD and shows how she was able to improve her practice and therefore establish meaningful and effective therapeutic relationships with this client population and obtain valuable learning through the training. The study was conducted at a dedicated therapy centre in New Zealand where the researcher was in placement. A total of seven, thirty-minute weekly individual music therapy sessions and four supervision sessions were employed. This process was adapted into the design of action cycles which involved the repeated process of planning, action and evaluation. In-depth analysis of the researcher’s work was carried out throughout the cycles, using clinical notes, journal excerpts, supervision notes and video recordings of the sessions. The findings suggest that the researcher was able to improve her practice while attempting to build a therapeutic relationship with the client. Various clinical and personal issues arose such as uncertainty about improvisation, and lack of confidence in professional skills including communicating with parents, which led to disjunction and burnout symptoms. Discussions in supervision aided in in-depth reflection of the researcher’s work as well as emotional support. The researcher could ultimately develop ‘internal supervisor’ and was able to use independent strategies to help develop her work. Implications for training include making personal therapy a compulsory course requirement, providing training on professional skills, and student support groups. Future research may investigate the effectiveness of verbal input in music therapy and the emotional stages of parents.

Music Therapy
Ph.D.
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of Music Therapy (MT), Music Medicine (MM), or Attention Control (AC) on physiological and psychological parameters of stress for adult and older adult patients receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit of a community general hospital. Previous studies have indicated effectiveness of music therapy or music medicine for these medical patients, but few data are available for music therapy interventions. This study was an attempt to add to available information about the effects of music therapy compared to the effects of music medicine or attention control for this patient population. Participants (twenty-eight adults, ranging in age from 37-83 years; not mechanically ventilated at the time of session) were randomly assigned to music therapy, music medicine or the attention control group. Repeated measures of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and anxiety and pain levels were collected before the session, immediately after the session and at 60 minutes post-session. Anxiety was measured using the Faces Anxiety Scale, and pain was self-reported via a Visual Analog Scale. Post-session length of stay was collected from the participants' medical records. Overall, there were no significant interactions among study groups and outcome measures. There was a statistically significant difference between length of stay for music therapy participants and attention control. Over time from pre-session to post-session, statistically significant decreases in anxiety scores were measured for both music medicine and music therapy groups. Pain scores decreased for both music medicine and music therapy groups, however not significantly. Some medically beneficial effects of music therapy or music medicine were evident in the data.
Temple University--Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of music therapy among oncology nurses to pinpoint areas in which music therapists can further advocate for the profession and educate the nursing staff. The study's research objectives included: (a) Examining the perceptions of music therapy regarding role, purpose of the treatment and perceived benefits, and nurses' application of music as a nursing intervention; and (b) Comparing differences in perceptions of music therapy among different settings (i.e. pediatric versus an adult), and facilities with or without music therapy services. Two-hundred and sixty-four members of the Oncology Nursing Society completed the survey. The majority of the participants (81.4%) were aware of music therapy, despite the fact that only 37.5% of the respondents worked in facilities currently offering music therapy. According to participants, volunteer musicians are primary deliverers of music therapy (43.8%), followed by nurses identifying themselves as music therapy facilitators (29.5%). Significant differences were found between the oncology nurses in adult versus pediatric settings with regard to the following referral circumstances: pre/post-operative (x² = 4.33, p < .05), playroom/music group activities/socialization (x² = 12.88, p < .001), and motor skills (x² = 6, p < .05). Results indicated a skewed vision of music therapy as well as a lack of education on all of the applications and benefits of music therapy.

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate mindfulness strategies and their influence on working memory. The potential role of music in facilitating mindfulness practice is explored. Various listening exercises were investigated along with their influence on working memory (i.e. attention control). Thirty-four individuals were randomly assigned to participate in one of four listening groups: 1) mindfulness with music, 2) mindfulness without music, 3) music only, and 4) silence. Thirty-four participants engaged in a computerized digit-span task before and after the listening exercise to assess pre- and post-test working memory performance. Thirty participants were included in data-analysis due to technical errors in data collection. Differences between listening exercises were explored and comparisons were made between mindfulness, non-mindfulness, music, and non-music based exercises. Two-tailed independent samples t-tests found no significant differences in working memory when comparing mindfulness versus non-mindfulness and music versus non-music based exercises. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in working memory for any of the listening conditions. Results call for further examination of control variables and methodology to explore the role of music listening in mindfulness practice. Implications for further research and contributions to music therapy and music education are considered.

Self-care can be seen as not only critical for individual professionals, but also for the growth of the helping professions and the quality of care which clients receive. The purpose of this study was to investigate use of career-sustaining behaviors and the levels of professional quality of life in music therapy professionals. This study investigated research questions regarding use of career sustaining behaviors and levels of professional quality of life, the relationship between these variables, the differences in the use of career sustaining behavior by demographics, and the use of music as a self-care strategy. An online survey was sent to all professional members of the American Music Therapy Association. A total of 403 participants were included in the study for the purposes of data analysis. Findings from the study indicate that music therapy professionals are in the average to low ranges for burnout and secondary traumatic stress. However, a portion of the sample was identified to be at risk for these factors. Differences existed in the use of career sustaining behaviors between demographic variables, indicating self-care behaviors vary among professionals. The field of music therapy should further investigate these areas to best provide opportunities for professional self-care.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of music and imagery versus imagery only interventions on inducing relaxation and reducing nausea and emesis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Specifically, this study explored an adaptation of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM). Approximately 280 patients were interviewed, 43 began data collection procedures, and 20 of these individuals completed the study. Three dependent measures (heart rate, nausea, and emesis) were collected both before and after each of six intervention sessions. Experimental treatment conditions were guided imagery with music (MI) or without music (IO), alternated across the sessions. As part of the experimental treatment, participants were also encouraged to listen to music at home, i.e., to listen twice daily to CD recordings for relaxation. One recording contained a script for relaxation with music in the background, and the other contained only a script for relaxation. Moreover, after the fourth and sixth week of being in the study, the participants responded to a satisfaction survey on their perception on the benefits of MI and IO intervention. A follow-up telephone interview was conducted with each participant nine days after completion of the study. Regression analysis was used to examine factors relating to the frequency of nausea and emesis as well as heart rate. A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between the extent to which patients utilized the CD for relaxation at home and the amount of improvement experienced. Descriptive analyses were employed to examine participants' responses to their perceptions of the benefits of imagery only and music with imagery interventions (i.e., to the Participant Satisfaction Survey). Results indicated a statistically significant decrease on post-heart rate for MI as well as for IO interventions. There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate, nausea, or emesis between the two experimental interventions. However, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of nausea and emesis over time, i.e., across the six-weeks of treatment. The Pearson correlation indicated no significant relationship between the times participants listened to the CD and the outcomes of nausea and emesis. Self-reports from the participants indicated that the guided imagery with music, both within the experimental intervention sessions as well as at home, seemed to be very beneficial in inducing relaxation for these particular cancer patients.

This research paper explores the use of creative arts therapies with children and families in a pediatric hospital setting as experienced by the therapists who provide these services. The research investigates art therapy, music therapy and dance/movement therapy at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), with an in depth consideration of the role of art therapy services in this setting. The researchers reviewed general literature regarding hospitalization, specifically its effects on children and families, availability and role of psychosocial services and the intensive care units (ICU). Literature discussing creative arts therapies (art therapy, music therapy and dance/movement therapy) was also reviewed, with a focus on art therapy and its role in medical settings with children/families, with pediatric cancer patients and in psychosocial services. Based on information gleaned from the literature review, the researchers crafted an online survey utilized to gather information regarding the experience of providing creative arts therapies in a pediatric hospital setting. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with three selected survey respondents to further explore these experiences through interview questions and art making. The qualitative data from survey/interview responses, including the art, was reviewed and analyzed by the researchers. Analysis of the data resulted in five prominent themes from the online survey data: being present, family, support, change and identity. Four prominent themes emerged from the interview data: empowerment, culture, being present and identity. The researchers then examined these themes in the context of the general and art therapy literature. The meanings derived from these findings demonstrate the importance of continued and expanded use of creative arts therapies in pediatric hospitals.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. with approximately 795,000 Americans experiencing a stroke each year. In addition to common difficulties with communication and physical impairments following stroke, psychosocial impacts warrant assessment and treatment. Experiencing a stroke can lead to depression, mood disorders, and difficulties with emotion regulation. It is well documented that post-stroke depression (PSD) affects a third of stroke survivors. Higher levels of depression and depressive symptoms are associated with a less efficient use of rehabilitation services, poor functional outcomes, greater odds of hospital readmission, negative impacts on social participation, and increased mortality. The acute phase of stroke recovery may be a key factor in influencing the depression trajectory with early depression predicting poor longitudinal outcomes. The current approach to treating PSD is medication. However, psychotherapy approaches have demonstrated more promise in preventing PSD. Investigations into music-based treatments have shown encouraging results following acquired brain injuries with active music therapy interventions demonstrating large effect sizes for mood improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this three-part dissertation was to examine the effects of active music therapy on mood and describe the clinical decision making process of using music therapy to target mood elevation for hospitalized adults following a first-time acute ischemic stroke. The first study examined the effect of one treatment of active music therapy on mood following a first-time ischemic stroke during acute hospitalization. Active music therapy was defined as music making interventions that elicit and encourage active participation from participants. The Faces Scale was used to assess mood immediately prior to and following treatment. Forty-four adults received at least one treatment. A significant change in mood was found following one treatment. Comment analysis indicated that participants viewed music therapy as a positive experience. The second study investigated the impact of receiving two treatments of active music therapy on mood as compared to one. No significant difference was found between those who received one treatment and those who received two. Both dosing groups demonstrated significant mood improvement; however Group 2 (two treatments) had more severe strokes and did not improve until the second session. The purpose of the third study was to describe the clinical decision-making (CDM) process of a music therapist targeting mood elevation for hospitalized patients following a first-time acute ischemic stroke. The Three Phase Process Model of Collaborative Self-Study was selected as a guiding qualitative methodological framework. Data was collected from four sources: (a) electronic medical records, (b) audio recordings of eight music therapy treatments, (c) a researcher journal, and (d) patient and caregiver/visitor comments. Results indicate that factors influencing CDM included progression through a four-stage treatment process, use of a variety of music-based and therapy-based techniques, and the monitoring and influencing of participant levels of arousal, affect, salience, and engagement. In conclusion, active music therapy during acute hospitalization following a first-time ischemic stroke is effective in significantly improving mood. Components of clinical decision making to elevate mood are illustrated in a provided conceptual framework. Continued investigation is warranted with consideration of stroke severity, dosing amounts, and additional outcomes of interest. Longitudinal investigation is needed to evaluate the impact of treatment on the trajectory of post-stroke depression.

This project presents dance as treatment for Orthorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder defined as an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Eating disorders disconnect body, mind, and spirit of an individual, and dance therapeutically connects these aspects. The specific effects of orthorexia on the body, mind, and spirit are analyzed; supported by evidence from research sources such as literature of books and scholarly journals, videos, an interview with board-certified dance/movement therapist Rachel Gonick-Mefferd, and a series of interviews with Dr. Thomas Doyle, in which he supplied a case study exemplifying dance as treatment for orthorexia. Conclusively, eating disorders and specifically orthorexia affect one’s entire being — physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual health — and interfere with one’s entire life and daily functioning. Dance, as a holistic therapeutic approach, is effective in addressing and remedying every single one of these elements, healing one’s whole self. Therefore, it is suggested that dance may be an effective treatment for orthorexia.

Advances in healthcare and shifts toward patient and family centered care have allowed healthcare professionals to focus on the entirety of a patient and what affects his/her health. In noting such changes, and in consideration of what affects quality of life, findings in the literature address the physiological and physiological differences between those who are caregivers versus those who are not caregivers. This study investigated the relaxation state of those who were considered informal caregivers of hospice and palliative patients in an acute hospitalized setting. A family centered music therapy session was conducted utilizing a music-­‐ assisted relaxation intervention incorporating a loving-­‐kindness meditation. A total of 29 participants, 15 males and 13 females, took part in the study and 28 participants were included in data analysis. Findings from the study suggest an increase in relaxation scores after taking part in the brief intervention. Participant survey responses indicated participants’ agreement with feeling more relaxed and supported as a caregiver after the intervention. Survey results also indicated participants’ willingness to try some relaxation techniques from the study intervention on their own.

The purposes of this study are to investigate the effect of the Music Attention Control Training (MACT) on three types of attention (sustained, selective, switching) in pre-adolescents (10-14 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to identify the impact of the level of severity (mild, moderate, severe) on changes in attention scores. This modified replication study included 23 participants randomly assigned to treatment and control group stratified based on severity of ASD. Significant results via two-tailed paired-sample t-test (p< .10) indicated significant positive trends with the treatment group for the 3 out of 4 subtests of selective attention: Hector Cancellation, Hector-B Cancellation, and Hecuba Visual Search; 1 out of 4 subtests of sustained attention: Sustained Attention Response Test (SART); and the single subtest of switching attention: Red & Blues, Bags & Shoes (RBBS). Results call for modifications to further support the role of MACT on attention skills with pre-adolescents with ASD. Implications for future research and contributions to clinical practices in music therapy are discussed.

EEG biofeedback training, known as neurofeedback, has been explored as a nonpharmacologic prophylaxis for migraines. Based on the conceptual model of disregulation of central arousal function, the Othmers proposed a protocol in migraine prophylaxis by raising the sensory motor rhythm (SMR, 12- 15 Hz), accompanied by an inhibition of theta ( 4- 7 Hz) frequency. Relaxation with music, on the other hand, is another type of nonpharmacologic prophylaxis for migraines and is used to reduce perceived psychological and/or physiological stress and pain. Studies showed that an effective relaxation with music program is one that integrates certain relaxing musical characteristics and personal factors. Six female participants (29 to 57 years of age) previously diagnosed with migraines participated in this single-subject design study. This study employed two independent variables- the SMR/theta training and music therapy, and the dependent variables were the SMR and theta recording registration. Each participant first participated in the EEG Base-rate recording session, and was then randomly assigned to the following treatment conditions: SMR/Theta training only, music therapy only, and SMR/Theta training and music therapy." Counterbalancing of the treatment conditions was applied across participants, two sessions weekly for a total of 13 sessions, 30 minutes each session. In SMR/Theta training only, participants were instructed to raise their SMR while inhibiting theta. In music therapy only, participants were instructed to select their relaxation CD music to be played during the sessions. The SMR and theta data were graphed for each participant and implications were discussed. Graph analysis indicated that two participants were responsive to SMR/Theta training and music therapy and SMR/Theta training only respectively. Overall, all participants acquired relaxation skills and seemed better at adapting themselves to a stressful environment.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by increasedresistance in the airways which in turn leads to dyspnea, especially during physical activity. Dyspneamay subsequently cause anxiety. Music has, according to previous studies, been seen to reduce theperception of dyspnea and anxiety during physical activity amongst patients suffering from COPD.The results are promising but however inconclusive. Aim: The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of music therapy (MT) on physical endurance, andon respiratory and psychological symptoms during physical activity in patients clinically diagnosedwith COPD. Secondly, to explore the meaning of music on life quality for these individuals. Methods: This study is a randomized cross-over pilot study of 10 patients with clinically diagnosedCOPD. Mixed methods, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative design methods, wereutilized during data collection. Patient’s physical endurance was measured by a 6- minute walkingtest. Patients were randomly selected to listen to music throughout one of 2 walking tests. Basicphysiological parameters such as heart rate and oxygen saturation was measured before and after eachwalking test. In addition, questionnaires were used to measure perceived exertion, dyspnea andanxiety. Quantitative data was analyzed using paired Student´s T-test. Qualitative data was gainedthrough semi-structured interviews with patients concerning the influence of music. Results: 10 patients were recruited for the study. Preliminary results suggest that MT waseffective in reducing perceived anxiety and dyspnea during physical exercise amongst 70 % and40 % of the patients respectively. MT has however not demonstrated an effect on physicalendurance where results proved statistically insignificant. A common factor among the studyparticipants was that music is very important in improving their life quality. Conclusion: The study has indicated positive trends in MT being effective in reducing perceivedanxiety and dyspnea during physical exercise amongst some patients with COPD. Our findingsdo not support that music affects the tolerance for physical exercise. An important finding of thisstudy is that music plays an important role in the lives of the participants, and thus improve their lifequality. If future research confirms the effectiveness of music, the aspiration is for musicrehabilitation to be implemented in the COPD treatment program to further improve the life qualityof these patients, which is of great importance.

Musikterapi vid psykotrauma är sparsamt utforskat i Sverige. De få resultat som finns tyder på att musikterapi vid psykotrauma kan vara en effektiv behandlingsform. Frågan om resiliens och dess betydelse vid behandling med musikterapi av psykotrauma är även det sparsamt utforskat. Syftet med föreliggande uppsats är därför att utforska hur tre musikterapeuter med erfarenhet av psykotraumabehandling, ser på resilienta förhållningssätt i patientbehandlingar. Forskningsfrågorna är: Hur uppfattar musikterapeuterna begreppet resiliens? På vilket sätt tänker musikterapeuterna att de kan bidra till resilienta förhållningssätt? Vilka musikterapeutiska metoder kan bidra till utvecklandet av resiliens? Studien bygger på tre semistrukturerade intervjuer vilka analyserats med hjälp av kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultatet presenteras i form av ett övergripande tema: Resursorienterad musikterapi bidrar till resiliens vid behandling av psykotrauma uppbyggt av tre huvudkategorier som utgörs av en rad underkategorier. Avslutningsvis diskuteras resultatet i relation till teoretiska utgångspunkter om resiliens och musikterapi vid behandling av psykotrauma samt dess betydelse för musikterapi, och idéer till framtida forskningsarbeten presenteras.
Music therapy in psychotrauma has been scantily explored in Sweden. The few results available suggest that music therapy in psychotrauma can be an effective treatment. The question of resilience and its importance in treating psychotrauma with music therapy has also been sparsely explored. The purpose of the present thesis is, therefore, to explore how three music therapists with experience in psychotrauma treatment look at resilient approaches in patient's treatments. The research questions are: How do music therapists understand the concept of resilience? In what ways do music therapists think they can contribute to resilient approaches? Which music therapeutic methods can contribute to the development of resilience? The study is based on three semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The result is presented in the form of an overall theme: Resource-oriented music therapy contributes to resilience in the treatment of psychotrauma. The theme consists of three main categories, which in turn comprise a number of subcategories. Finally, the results are discussed with theoretical points of departure on resilience and music therapy in treatment in psychotrauma. An insight into the importance of the work to music therapy is provided, and ideas on future research work that can be further developed are presented.

Bakgrund: Antalet personer med demenssjukdom ökar i världen. Demenssjukdom försämras progressivt och ger en dödlig utgång. God omvårdnad är den viktigaste åtgärden idag. Sjuksköterskan har det yttersta ansvaret för omvårdnaden och implementering av nya metoder. Tidigare studier påvisar att alternativa omvårdnadsåtgärder kan vara ett gott komplement till sedvanlig vård för patientgruppen. Det är tidigare känt att musik främjar hälsa hos människan.  Syfte: Att beskriva musikens betydelse i omvårdnaden av personer med demenssjukdom samt att granska hur musiken har använts i inkluderade artiklar.  Metod: En beskrivande litteraturstudie, baserad på 14 artiklar, totalt sju kvantitativa, fem kvalitativa samt två av mixad ansats.  Huvudresultat: Musik minskade beteendemässiga och psykiska symtom vid demens, var en källa till glädje och sinnesro. Mänsklig kontakt, interaktion och relation sågs stärkas. Musik hade en distraherande funktion och användes vid observation och bedömning av patientgruppen. Musik förmedlades individuellt eller i grupp av musikterapeuter, musiker och vårdare. Musiken förmedlades via CD-spelare, MP3-spelare, sång, konserter och musikterapi. Musiken var i form av bekanta sånger, professionellt utformad- eller individanpassad efter patientgruppen.  Slutsats: Musik i omvårdnaden av personer med demens sågs ha övervägande positiv betydelse. Kunskap kring musikens betydelse i omvårdnaden kan underlätta och förbättra demenssjukvården. Litteraturstudien kan tyda på att musik kan verka som ett gott komplement till sedvanlig vård. Musik tycktes ha positiv betydelse oberoende av hur musiken hade använts. Fortsatt forskning kring musikens betydelse i omvårdnad samt hur musiken har använts kan ses betydande för att utveckla demensvården.
The number of people with dementia increases in the world, is a progressive disease and gives a fatal outcome. The most important measure is to provide good care. The nurse's role includes the overall responsibility for the care and the implementation of new methods. Studies have shown that alternative care can be a good complement to ordinary care for this group of patients. In previous studies music has shown positive results in promoting health in humans.

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INTRODUCTION: Arterial Hypertension (AH) is a mass disease, with consequences for the cardiocirculatory system. It may result in an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Controlling blood pressure (BP) lessens complications and helps preserve quality of life (QL). Studies have shown the positive effects of music as a coadjuvant in the treatment of various pathologies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of music therapy on QL and in the control of BP in hypertensive patients. METHODS: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the UFG Clinical Hospital. A controlled clinical trial evaluated patients of both sexes, over 50 years old, AH stage 1, under medication and enrolled in a multidisciplinary AH treatment program. They were divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. In addition to conventional treatment, the EG participated in weekly music therapy sessions over 12 weeks. The CG continued with the program‟s regular treatment. Before and after the intervention, two QL-evaluation instruments, the SF-36 and Bulpitt and Fletcher questionnaires, were administered to the two groups. Change in BP was also measured. The voice, an important element in communication and a reflection of physical, psychological and emotional state, was the main therapeutic resource used. The t-student, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Chi-Squared and Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis. The Pearson or Spearman correlations were used to analyze the correlation between the QL instruments. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The groups were initially homogeneous as regards sex, age, education level, QL. In the before-and-after comparison, the EG patients showed a significant improvement in BP control and QL. The CG registered no significant change. We find good correlation between the instruments of QL evaluation. CONCLUSION: Music therapy contributed to better BP control and QL improvement. The two QL evaluation instruments correlated well, with the possibility of a more holistic view of the patient. This therapeutic modality may represent an important contribution to multidisciplinary programs serving hypertensive patients
INTRODUÇÃO - A Hipertensão Arterial (HA) é uma doença de massa, com conseqüências para o aparelho cardiocirculatório, podendo gerar elevação das taxas de morbi-mortalidade. Controlar a pressão arterial (PA) diminui complicações e deve preservar a qualidade de vida (QV). Estudos têm evidenciado os efeitos positivos da música como coadjuvante no tratamento de diversas patologias. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito da musicoterapia na QV e no controle da PA de pacientes hipertensos. MÉTODOS: Projeto aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do Hospital das Clínicas da UFG. Ensaio clínico controlado avaliou pacientes de ambos os sexos, maiores que 50 anos, HA estágio 1, medicados e matriculados em serviço multiprofissional para tratamento da HA. Divididos em grupos experimental (GE) e controle (GC). O GE, além do tratamento convencional, participou de sessões musicoterápicas semanais por doze semanas. O GC permaneceu sob tratamento padrão do serviço. Antes e após a intervenção foram aplicados em ambos os grupos dois instrumentos para avaliação da QV (Questionário SF-36 e de Bulpitt e Fletcher) e avaliado o nível da PA. A voz, importante elemento da comunicação, reflexo do estado físico, psíquico e emocional, foi o principal recurso terapêutico utilizado. Para a análise estatística foram utilizados os testes T-Student, de Mann-Whitney, de Wilcoxon, Qui-Quadrado e de Fisher. Para analisar a correlação entre os instrumentos de QV foram utilizadas as correlações de Pearson ou de Spearman. Dados analisados através do Programa SPSS. Valores de p<0,05 considerados significantes. RESULTADOS: Grupos inicialmente homogêneos quanto a sexo, idade, escolaridade e QV. Na comparação inicial e final dos pacientes do GE observou-se diminuição significativa da PA e melhora na QV enquanto no GC não se verificou alterações significativas. Houve correlação positiva entre os dois instrumentos utilizados para avaliação da QV. CONCLUSÃO: A Musicoterapia contribuiu para a melhora do controle da PA e para a melhora da QV. Os dois instrumentos de avaliação da QV tiveram boa correlação, com possibilidade de uma visão mais integral do paciente. Esta modalidade terapêutica pode representar importante contribuição em programas de atendimento multidisciplinar ao paciente hipertenso

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) apresenta um reconhecido impacto mundialmente e as opções farmacológicas disponíveis possuem variadas limitações. Como tal, é importante encontrar tratamentos inovadores e avaliá-los criticamente. O objetivo desta revisão foi investigar e sumariar as potencialidades da musicoterapia (MT) na gestão da demência de doentes com DA. A fonte utilizada foi a PubMed, na qual foram pesquisados artigos em Inglês sem limite de data de publicação. A MT atenua vários sintomas, principalmente aqueles com implicações no dia-a-dia. Após sessões de MT, défices de memória, depressão, psicose, alterações comportamentais e declínio cognitivo, nomeadamente a nível da linguagem, apresentam melhorias, especialmente a curto-prazo. Outros benefícios incluem o aumento da qualidade de vida e da interação social, relacionadas com a melhoria sintomática. A heterogeneidade metodológica e a falta de informação acerca dos mecanismos da MT contribuem para uma baixa evidência no tópico. Devido à natureza dos sintomas, deverão ser desenvolvidas estratégias adicionais para percecionar alterações sintomáticas e outros efeitos que advêm da MT, durante a observação e análise de resultados terapêuticos. A MT é uma abordagem multidisciplinar ainda caracterizada por inconsistências, mas a caminho de ser tornar uma terapia sistemática, pautada de forte evidência científica.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a recognized impact worldwide and its available pharmacological treatments have several limitations. Therefore, it is important to find out-of-the-box solutions and critically evaluate them. The purpose of this review was to search for and summarize the potentialities of music therapy (MT) in the management of AD patients suffering from dementia. The data source was PubMed, searched for researches and reviews with no year limiters set and published in the English language. Many benefits come from the use of music in patients with dementia of AD. MT can ameliorate symptoms, especially the ones associated with problems in daily care. After MT sessions, memory impairment, depression, psychosis, behavior changes and decline in cognitive functions, such as language, improved, especially in a shorter-term perspective. Other aspects including quality of life and social interaction amended in several settings. Methodological heterogeneity and lack of information on the mechanism of MT contributes to a low evidence on the topic. Due to the symptoms' nature, there should be developed additional strategies to perceive changes and relational effects when assessing outcomes. MT is a multidisciplinary approach still characterized by inconsistencies and gaps, but on its way to becoming a more systematic treatment, towards a strengthened scientific basis and a strong evidence-based therapy.

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) apresenta um reconhecido impacto mundialmente e as opções farmacológicas disponíveis possuem variadas limitações. Como tal, é importante encontrar tratamentos inovadores e avaliá-los criticamente. O objetivo desta revisão foi investigar e sumariar as potencialidades da musicoterapia (MT) na gestão da demência de doentes com DA. A fonte utilizada foi a PubMed, na qual foram pesquisados artigos em Inglês sem limite de data de publicação. A MT atenua vários sintomas, principalmente aqueles com implicações no dia-a-dia. Após sessões de MT, défices de memória, depressão, psicose, alterações comportamentais e declínio cognitivo, nomeadamente a nível da linguagem, apresentam melhorias, especialmente a curto-prazo. Outros benefícios incluem o aumento da qualidade de vida e da interação social, relacionadas com a melhoria sintomática. A heterogeneidade metodológica e a falta de informação acerca dos mecanismos da MT contribuem para uma baixa evidência no tópico. Devido à natureza dos sintomas, deverão ser desenvolvidas estratégias adicionais para percecionar alterações sintomáticas e outros efeitos que advêm da MT, durante a observação e análise de resultados terapêuticos. A MT é uma abordagem multidisciplinar ainda caracterizada por inconsistências, mas a caminho de ser tornar uma terapia sistemática, pautada de forte evidência científica.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a recognized impact worldwide and its available pharmacological treatments have several limitations. Therefore, it is important to find out-of-the-box solutions and critically evaluate them. The purpose of this review was to search for and summarize the potentialities of music therapy (MT) in the management of AD patients suffering from dementia. The data source was PubMed, searched for researches and reviews with no year limiters set and published in the English language. Many benefits come from the use of music in patients with dementia of AD. MT can ameliorate symptoms, especially the ones associated with problems in daily care. After MT sessions, memory impairment, depression, psychosis, behavior changes and decline in cognitive functions, such as language, improved, especially in a shorter-term perspective. Other aspects including quality of life and social interaction amended in several settings. Methodological heterogeneity and lack of information on the mechanism of MT contributes to a low evidence on the topic. Due to the symptoms' nature, there should be developed additional strategies to perceive changes and relational effects when assessing outcomes. MT is a multidisciplinary approach still characterized by inconsistencies and gaps, but on its way to becoming a more systematic treatment, towards a strengthened scientific basis and a strong evidence-based therapy.

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of health. The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event, sometimes more than the actual event itself. It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body (physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing. The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude. Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more comprehensive picture of health and illness. The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts, perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry, which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune system functioning. The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in "our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ... Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1 through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power of this inner healer." The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically. The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in social work theory and practice." Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly). Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial arcs of a holistic health care system. Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences. This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known as Health Care Social Workers. This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated. The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from the first chapter.
Social work
M.A. (Social Science with specialisation in Mental Health)

Background. A sizable amount of individuals in the community are presented with various kinds of physical and mental health problems which are either undetected, untreated or inadequately treated, due to the limitations on the availability and accessibility of the services in the existing health care system, or to other social and personal reasons. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a newly developed modality of health-enhancing treatment---the Mindfulness-based Dejian Mind-Body Intervention, as compared to that of a Group Psychoeducational Treatment, in alleviating depressive mood and improving physical health of adult individuals in the community.
Conclusions. Findings of the current study suggest that compared with the Group Psychoeducational Treatment, Dejian Mind-Body Intervention might be more effective in enhancing the emotional and physical health of community individuals presented with moderate to severe depressive mood and/or problems with bowel functioning.
Method. Forty adult volunteers with various degree of depressive mood and physical problems who expressed interest in receiving either Dejian Mind-Body Intervention or Group Psychoeducational Treatment were recruited in the current study. They were matched for gender, age, education and level of depression, and were randomly assigned to either treatment group.
Results. Both the Dejian Mind-Body Intervention and Group Psychoeducation Treatment were effective in bringing about a significant reduction in depressive mood iv among treatment completers. However, differential effectiveness emerged among those presented with moderate to severe depressive mood, where Dejian Mind-Body Intervention resulted in significantly greater treatment-related reduction in depressive mood compared with the Group Psychoeducational Treatment. Besides, Dejian Mind-Body Intervention brought about significant increase in an objective QEEG measure of positive affect, and improvements in physical health (i.e., bowel functioning) that were not evidenced in the Group Psychoeducation Treatment.
Tsui, Jin Ching.
Adviser: Agnes S.Y. Chan.
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3799.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-68).
Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.
Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.
Abstracts in English and Chinese.
School code: 1307.

An increasing number of individuals with physical disabilities or mental disorders are incorporating specially trained service dogs as an assistance aid to improve functionality. In addition to the tasks that service dogs are rained for, studies also suggest that service dogs may benefit psychosocial health and wellbeing. However, current knowledge on these potential benefits is limited by methodological weaknesses without multi-method assessment. There remains a need for empirical and replicable quantification the psychosocial outcomes of service dog assistance and companionship.

The objective of Chapters 1-3 was to summarize, evaluate, and quantify the effects of service dogs on psychosocial health among individuals with physical disabilities. Chapter 1 conducted a systematic literature review of N=24 articles describing the effects of guide, hearing, mobility, and medical service dogs on standardized measures of psychosocial functioning. Chapters 2 and 3 conducted an empirical investigation using quantitative and qualitative methods to quantify the psychosocial effects of mobility and medical service dogs among N=154 individuals with physical disabilities. Results identified specific psychological, social, and emotional benefits that are associated with having an assistance dog or service dog among diverse populations with physical disabilities or chronic conditions.

The objective of Chapters 4-6 was to quantify the role of psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 military veterans with PTSD. Chapter 4 quantified the perceived importance, frequency of use, and therapeutic value of service dog behaviors for N=216 military veterans with PTSD. Chapters 5 and 6 then quantified the effects that PTSD service dogs on psychosocial outcomes and physiological indicators of functioning, respectively, among a sample of N=141 military veterans with PTSD. Results identified therapeutic components, tangible psychosocial benefits, and potential physiological mechanisms of psychiatric service dogs for military veterans with PTSD.

Overall, this research combined quantitative, qualitative, and physiological measurement to describe outcomes of service dog pairings in two different at-risk populations. Results provide non-causational evidence of psychosocial benefits from service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities or mental disorders. Findings provide a basis for further large-scale research to disentangle active components of the assistance dog-human partnership and identify potential mediating variables of effects.