Effects of Music Therapy on Psychological States Among Cancer Patients Undergoing MRI Scans and a Relevant Mediator

The Effects of Music Therapy on Improving Psychological States of Cancer Patients Undergoing MRI Scans and a Relevant Mediator

The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of a music therapy protocol on improving anxiety, symptom distress, and relaxation among cancer patients who are going through MRI scanning. Physiological data, such as pulse rates and respiration rates will be collected. Furthermore, data about scanning efficiency will be collected to assess if scanning efficiency is affected by the protocol implementation. The secondary study objective is to assess whether or not there is a relationship between patient attention to music during the intervention process and the changes in anxiety, symptom distress, and relaxation.

To assess the protocol, recruited participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: a control group or a music therapy group. Participants in the control group will receive standard care as usual, and they will be offered music therapy interventions upon their request during subsequent appointments. Participants in the music group will receive standard care and music therapy interventions. All participants will rate their psychological states pre- and post-MRI exams. Their physiological data will be recorded during the examination. After the scanning, they will complete an experience review.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The subject is diagnosed with cancer;
2. The subject is between 18- 60 years old;
3. The subject understands Mandarin, Cantonese, or English;
4. The subject did not use medication for sedatives, anxiolytics, and/or sleep aids;
5. The subject is awake without cognitive disorders;
6. the subject rates more than 0 on the 0-10 VAS for anxiety;
7. The subject has finished primary school level education.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The subject withdraws the MRI scan;
2. The subject needs other intervention(s) to complete the scan;
3. The subject has hearing and/or visual impairments;
4. The subject has a history of a severe somatic psychiatric disease or clinically diagnosed mental disorders.