The effect of music interventions on anxiety, fear, and pain in hospitalized children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ebru Akgün Çıtak ¹, Kadriye Demir ², Ebru Kılıçarslan ³

⁰Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences Başkent University, Bağlıca Kampüsü, Fatih Sultan Mahallesi, Eskişehir Yolu 18.km, 06790, Etimesgut, Ankara, Türkiye.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing +

|

November 15, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Music interventions significantly reduce anxiety, fear, and pain in hospitalized children. These findings support music therapy as a safe and effective adjunct to pediatric care.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Psychology
Evidence-Based Nursing
Music Therapy Research

Background

Hospitalization causes significant anxiety, fear, and pain in children, impacting their recovery.
Addressing children's emotional and physical distress during hospitalization is crucial for well-being.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the efficacy of music interventions in alleviating anxiety, fear, and pain in pediatric patients.
To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on music's impact on hospitalized children.

Main Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Inclusion of twelve randomized controlled trials (2018-2024).
Calculation of standardized mean differences (SMDs) for outcome assessment.

Main Results

Music interventions demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety (SMD: -1.01), fear (SMD: -1.19), and pain (SMD: -1.08).
Large effect sizes were observed across all measured outcomes.
Moderate to high heterogeneity was noted, with no reported adverse effects.

Conclusions

Music interventions are effective in mitigating emotional and physical distress in hospitalized children.
Music therapy serves as a safe and practical complementary approach in pediatric care.
Integration into nursing practice can enhance comfort and well-being during medical procedures.

Keywords:

Anxiety Children Fear Hospitalisation Music Pain