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The use of music with hospitalized infants and toddlers: a descriptive study
Insights
Music therapy significantly reduced stress behaviors in hospitalized infants and toddlers. Registered Music Therapists used music interventions to effectively calm young patients, demonstrating music
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Life Services
- Music Therapy
Background:
- Hospitalized infants and toddlers often exhibit stress behaviors.
- Identifying effective interventions for pediatric stress is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of music therapy in reducing stress behaviors.
- To assess the impact of music and Registered Music Therapist (RMT) interaction on hospitalized young children.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 27 infants and toddlers (5 weeks to 36 months) exhibiting stress behaviors.
- Interventions included relaxation, games, movement, and songs delivered by an RMT.
- Behavioral observations and checklist recordings were used during sessions.
Main Results:
- Music therapy interventions led to a notable decrease in stress-related behaviors.
- Combined music and RMT interaction proved effective in stress reduction.
Conclusions:
- Music therapy is a valuable tool for managing stress in hospitalized infants and toddlers.
- Registered Music Therapists can effectively utilize music to improve pediatric patient well-being.
Abstract:
This clinical study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of music in decreasing stress behaviors exhibited by hospitalized infants and toddlers. The sample consisted of 27 hospitalized infants and toddlers, ages 5 weeks to 36 months, who had demonstrated stress behaviors (defined as crying, throwing objects, absence of vocalization, lethargy, and/or body tension) during 15-minute observation sessions. Each subject was assigned to a music program implemented by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) on the Child Life staff. Programming included relaxation, didactic games, movement, and songs. Sessions lasted from 15 minutes to 1 hour. During the sessions, the subjects were observed and their behaviors were recorded on a checklist. Results of the study indicated that music plus interaction with a music therapist effectively reduced stress-related behaviors.