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The effect of non-verbal music on anxiety in hospitalized children
Ashrafalsadat Hakim1, Seyedeh Shima Hosseini Kaldozkhi2, Ashraf Tashakori3
1Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, Department of Nursing, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. hakim3448200@yahoo.com.
Insights
Listening to non-verbal music significantly reduced anxiety and respiratory rates in hospitalized children. This non-pharmacological intervention offers a practical approach to improving pediatric patient well-being during hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Music Therapy
- Healthcare Interventions
Background:
- Non-pharmacological methods, including music, show promise in reducing patient anxiety.
- Hospitalized children often experience significant anxiety, impacting their recovery.
- The specific impact of non-verbal music on pediatric anxiety requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of non-verbal music in alleviating anxiety among hospitalized children.
- To assess the effect of music intervention on physiological indicators of anxiety in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 52 hospitalized children aged 6-12 years.
- Participants were allocated to either a test group (non-verbal music) or a control group.
- Anxiety levels were measured using the Spielberger questionnaire, with vital signs also recorded.
Main Results:
- Daily 20-minute sessions of non-verbal music significantly decreased anxiety scores and respiratory rates (P≤0.01).
- A significant reduction in vital signs, excluding body temperature, was observed in the music intervention group over three days (P≤0.01).
Conclusions:
- Non-verbal music serves as an effective, practical strategy for reducing anxiety in hospitalized children.
- Music intervention can lead to a reduction in anxiety and associated physiological stress markers in pediatric patients.
Background:
In recent years, the positive effect of non-pharmacological methods such as listening to music in reducing the level of anxiety of hospitalized patients has been reported. This study aimed to determine the effect of non-verbal music on anxiety in hospitalized children.
Methods:
In this study, 52 hospitalized children aged 6 to 12 years were randomly divided into Test and control groups. Research data collection tools included the Spielberger questionnaire to assess the level of anxiety in children. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Chi-square and t-tests by SPSS 23 software.
Results:
Daily listening to non-verbal music for 20 minutes after the second and third days significantly reduced the anxiety score and the number of breaths per minute of hospitalized children (P ≤ 0.01). The trend of changes in anxiety score was measured for three consecutive days and vital signs except body temperature decreased significantly in the test group (P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusion:
According to the results of this study, listening to non-verbal music by hospitalized children can be used as an effective practical method to reduce the level of anxiety and subsequently reduce vital signs.
Related Concept Videos
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder

