Resources & references

Read an article about the impact of sociodemographic risk on the reported benefits of a specific music therapy intervention, active music engagement (AME), for families with children undergoing treatment for cancer. Results suggested that families with higher risk experienced more benefits from AME than families with lower risk.

This study shows that maternal singing during neonatal hospitalization can reduce anxiety and support wellbeing and early bonding after preterm birth, though mothers may need guidance and privacy to feel comfortable.

Read an article exploring the use of music therapy during infusion therapy for cancer patients. Results found significant improvements in levels of anxiety, depression, tiredness, pain and wellbeing. Additionally, no significant differences were found between passive and active music therapy intervention protocols, and individuals with higher pre-session anxiety scores tended to choose passive interventions.

This article presents three cases of military members, ex-child soldiers, and veterans in telehealth music therapy, showing positive responses and reductions in pain, anxiety, and depression, alongside key clinical, ethical, and technological insights.

Read an article discussing the use of an online group music therapy intervention for adults undergoing cancer treatment. Results show that, in spite of the limitations of online interventions, participants found the intervention to be useful in supporting them through their treatments.

Listen to music therapist Calli Puko describe her work with adolescents in behavioural health. 

This article describes current practices on the use of music therapy to support individuals with trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It reviews current studies to determine how music therapy can provide emotional support, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and isolation, and elevate mood. 

This article examines how music therapy is integrated into eating disorder treatments. It reviews research on music, music therapy, and eating disorders, suggesting that music therapy may be a valuable complement to systemic and family-based approaches.

Read an article comparing the effects of telehealth sessions of music therapy to telehealth sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy on anxiety in cancer survivors. Results found that both interventions were led to significant improvements in anxiety levels. 

This study analyzes electrophysiological signals during Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR) with adult burn patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Results showed increased parasympathetic system activity, attention shifts, reduced muscle tone, and relaxation.

Read a scoping review on music-based interventions for individuals with eating disorders. Results found that music therapy was the most frequently used music-based intervention, and studies reported improvements in anxiety, mood, eating disorder symptoms, and an increase in food eaten and weight gained when music based interventions were used. 

Joanie Ayotte, certified music therapist, explains how music therapy helps achieve therapeutic goals with seniors living in a nursing home (CHSLD).