Music therapy support groups for cancer patients and caregivers: A mixed-methods approach

Living with the ins and outs of a cancer diagnosis is a strain on both patients and their caregivers.  In addition to the cancer itself, patients also experience side effects from their medication.  These include attention and memory issues, fatigue, difficulty chewing, dry mouth, and other problems.  In order to provide social support for patients and caregivers dealing with these discouraging issues, many healthcare facilities provide support groups.

In a 2015 study in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, researchers found that participation in a music therapy support group increased patients & caregivers’ moods and decreased their anxiety overall.  The participants attended six 60-minutes music therapy sessions during a three-week period.  During the group a music therapist led them in a variety of interventions, including group singing, songwriting, instrument play, music-assisted relaxation, music & movement, creative arts and music, and music listening with discussion.

In addition to increasing mood and reducing anxiety, participants also reported a reduction in stress.  Participants were glad for a safe place in which to meet new people struggling with the similar circumstances.  They felt supported and connected to others by the music therapy group, an important point for those with cancer – who can easily become isolated by their condition.

The researcher concluded that participation in a music therapy support group can address and treat the socio-emotional needs of both cancer patients and their caregivers.

By Amber Bruns, MT-BC

Dvorak, A. L. (2015). Groupes de soutien en musicothérapie auprès de patients atteints de cancer et d’aidants naturels: Approche à méthodes mixtes [Music therapy support groups for cancer patients and caregivers: A mixed-methods approach]. Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 21(1), 69-105.