Psychological Factors In The Use Of Music Therapy With Individuals Experiencing Pain: A Survey Of Current Practice

This study examined how music therapists consider psychological factors when working with individuals experiencing acute pain and individuals experiencing chronic pain. Since psychological factors such as anxiety and depression can increase the perception of acute pain, integrative therapies, such as music therapy, that address these factors are increasingly needed. This study utilized a mixed methods design to examine how music therapists address psychological factors when working with individuals experiencing acute and chronic pain. The researcher constructed and distributed a survey to 489 board-certified music therapists working with populations likely to include individuals experiencing pain. Sixty-eight music therapists responded to the questionnaire. From those participants, three music therapists volunteered and participated in semi-structured interviews to share their expertise about the topic. Results of the study suggested that music therapists address psychological factors such as trait anxiety and depression prior to an acute pain event or during chronic pain; results further suggested that music therapists tended to prioritize trait anxiety when working with individuals experiencing acute pain. The results of the study demonstrated a need for music therapists to continue to address depression and trait anxiety at all stages of the pain process.