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Tagliaferri L, Fionda B, Casà C, Cornacchione P, Scalise S, Chiesa S, Marconi E, Dinapoli L, Di Capua B, Chieffo DPR, Marazzi F, Frascino V, Colloca GF, Valentini V, Miccichè F, Gambacorta MA. Allies not enemies-creating a more empathetic and uplifting patient experience through technology and art. Strahlenther Onkol 2024:10.1007/s00066-024-02279-7. [PMID: 39259348 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-024-02279-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand whether art and technology (mainly conversational agents) may help oncology patients to experience a more humanized journey. METHODS This narrative review encompasses a comprehensive examination of the existing literature in this field by a multicenter, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional team aiming to analyze the current developments and potential future directions of using art and technology for patient engagement. RESULTS We identified three major themes of patient engagement with art and three major themes of patient engagement with technologies. Two real-case scenarios are reported from our experience to practically envision how findings from the literature can be implemented in different contexts. CONCLUSION Art therapy and technologies can be ancillary supports for healthcare professionals but are not substitutive of their expertise and responsibilities. Such tools may help to convey a more empathetic and uplifting patient journey if properly integrated within clinical practice, whereby the humanistic touch of medicine remains pivotal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Fionda
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Calogero Casà
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy.
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Cornacchione
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Scalise
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Chiesa
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marconi
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- UOS di Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Dinapoli
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- UOS di Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Di Capua
- Centro di Eccellenza Oncologia Radioterapica e Medica e Radiologia, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- UOS di Psicologia Clinica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Marazzi
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Frascino
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferdinando Colloca
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Centro di Eccellenza Oncologia Radioterapica e Medica e Radiologia, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Miccichè
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Zhang M, Liu X, Huang Y. Are Art-Based Interventions Effective in Improving Psychological Well-Being Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients? A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 39093932 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: To systematically synthesize the current evidence on the effects of art-based interventions on improving anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, and well-being of cancer caregivers. Design: A systematic review. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from their inception up to April 2024. Studies exploring the effects of art-based interventions on the psychological symptoms of cancer caregivers were included. We did not restrict the publication to the particular study designs, including randomized controlled trials, quasiexperimental studies, and qualitative studies. Results: Fifteen studies of 607 participants were identified in this systematic review. Overall, the existing studies provided preliminary evidence to suggest that art-based interventions may benefit cancer caregivers in improving anxiety, depression, stress, caregiver burden, and quality of life. However, the relatively low quality of the current evidence limits the efficacy of these findings. Conclusions: According to the existing evidence, the therapeutic benefits of using art-based interventions for improving the psychological well-being of cancer caregivers are uncertain. More high-quality and well-designed studies are still required to confirm the psychological effectiveness of art-based interventions for cancer caregivers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Gynecological Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Bains KK, Jennings S, Bull C, Tilley L, Montgomery L, Lee AL. A systematic review of change in symptoms, well-being and quality of life with group singing in people with cancer and their caregivers. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:246. [PMID: 38520544 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08449-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of group singing on physical function, cancer-related symptoms, well-being (emotional, physical, social, spiritual), and health-related quality of life in individuals with cancer and their caregivers. METHODS A search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to April 2023; key words included cancer, choir, and group singing. Observational cohort, prospective or retrospective studies, randomized controlled studies, and crossover studies were included. Two teams of independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Downs and Black Tool. RESULTS A total of 6 studies (6 reports) met the inclusion criteria for this review, with a mix of study designs. The overall quality of the studies was poor. Group singing significantly reduced anxiety levels in those with cancer and their caregivers, while the effects on depression were variable and there was no impact on fatigue. Caregivers reported improved well-being, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Both those with cancer and their caregivers had reductions in fear, anger, confusion; and reported improvement in energy, relaxation and connectedness at longer term follow-up compared to no treatment. Those with cancer reported improvements in health-related quality of life domains of bodily pain, vitality and mental health with group singing, though the effects on caregivers were mixed. CONCLUSIONS Group singing may have favourable effects on selected symptoms, aspects of well-being, and domains of health-related quality of life specific to vitality, bodily pain, and mental health in individuals with cancer and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuljit Kaur Bains
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia
- Department of Integrated Community Health Services, Western Health, 29 - 35 Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh, VIC, 3340, Australia
| | - Sophie Jennings
- Allied Health and Ambulatory Services, Cabrini Health, 181 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Caitlin Bull
- Palliative and Supportive Care Services, Cabrini Health, 181 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Louise Tilley
- Allied Health and Ambulatory Services, Cabrini Health, 181 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Laura Montgomery
- Department of Physiotherapy, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Annemarie L Lee
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, 47-49 Moorooduc Hwy, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia.
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
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Martin-Wylie E, Urmston E, Redding E. Impact of creative dance on subjective well-being amongst older adults: an arts-informed photo-elicitation study. Arts Health 2024; 16:15-31. [PMID: 36519236 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2022.2156562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As the popularity of dance as a health-enhancing activity for adults over the age of 65 has grown, experimental research that aims to identify the physical, psychological, and social impacts of dancing is now prevalent in academic journals. Consistently, the participant's voice is left out of this research. Photo-elicitation interviews were used within an arts-informed methodology. Ten female dancers aged 66-77 years who attend the same weekly, creative dance class participated. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed an overarching theme of psychosocial resilience and five sub-themes: connecting with others, challenging perceptions of aging, emotional vulnerability, the importance of creativity, and opportunity to exercise autonomy. The results offer novel insight into the impact of creative dancing on subjective wellbeing and suggest that creative dancing can foster psychosocial resilience. The relationship between creative dance and psychosocial resilience should be explored further in other creative dance groups and older male dancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Martin-Wylie
- Dance Science Department, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, UK
| | - Elsa Urmston
- Dance Science Department, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, UK
- London Contemporary Dance School, London, UK
| | - Emma Redding
- Dance Science Department, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, UK
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Klyve GP, Rolvsjord R, Elgen IB. Polyphonic perspectives: a focus group study of interprofessional staff's perceptions of music therapy at an inpatient unit for children in mental health care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2197750. [PMID: 37014967 PMCID: PMC10075520 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2197750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In an inpatient unit for children in mental health care, a variety of services are provided through interprofessional collaborations. Music therapy is a relatively recent proposition in this context, but there is increasing acceptance for music therapy as a therapeutic method. However, there is limited knowledge about music therapy in this field, and this study aims to address this research gap. METHOD Through focus group interviews with staff at an inpatient unit in mental health care for children, this article explores interprofessional perspectives of music therapy. A thematic analysis with an inductive approach informed by constructivist grounded theory was used in the analysis of the interviews. FINDINGS Several dimensions were involved in the findings, concerning the children and the interprofessional collaboration. The two main categories that emerged were: "What music therapy offers the children" and "What music therapy contributes to the interprofessional understanding of the children". CONCLUSION The interprofessional perspectives of music therapy revealed potentials for emotion regulation, and experience of identity and freedom for the children. As part of the integrated services, music therapy provided a new perspective of the child and enhanced relationship between the child and the health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Parr Klyve
- The Grieg Academy - Department of Music, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Irene Bircow Elgen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Finn S, Wright LHV, Mak HW, Åström E, Nicholls L, Dingle GA, Warran K. Expanding the social cure: a mixed-methods approach exploring the role of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16-24) living with anxiety. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1258967. [PMID: 37915522 PMCID: PMC10616254 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increased interest in whether online arts interventions support mental health and social connections. This study explored eight weeks of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16-24) living with anxiety. The applicability of the 'social cure' theoretical framework to the novel context of an online dance class was sought. The study utilised an embedded QUAL+quan design, incorporating participatory focus group discussions (n = 3 groups; n = 11 participants) and one-on-one interviews (n = 2 participants), creative reflections (n = 16 participants) and ethnographic fieldnotes, and a repeated measures design with surveys at three timepoints (week 1, n = 27; week 4, n = 18; week 8, n = 14). Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes demonstrating how the dance classes (i) provided the opportunity to co-construct a meaningful shared identity and (ii) supported holistic wellbeing. The quantitative findings supported this, suggesting lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness and higher wellbeing, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and group closeness. This study expands the social cure to its application to an online dance context for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoirse Finn
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts & Health, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura H. V. Wright
- Childhood and Youth Studies Research Group, Institute for Community, Education, and Society, Moray House School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hei Wan Mak
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts & Health, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emili Åström
- Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Nicholls
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts & Health, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Genevieve A. Dingle
- Music, Dance and Health Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katey Warran
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts & Health, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Mani C. "Unplug to recharge": accessing respite through song in a culturally and linguistically diverse perinatal context. Arts Health 2023; 15:338-355. [PMID: 36512470 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2022.2140684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This original, qualitative study examines the ways in which the concept of respite is expressed and experienced through the activity of singing in refugee mothers, new and expectant, in a perinatal healthcare setting in Logan, Queensland. METHODS Data were collected using a multi-method approach using field notes, yarning circles, and semi-structured interviews. Reflexive Thematic Analysis (TA) yielded themes influenced also by literature on singing, wellbeing, health inequities, and the conceptual lens of respite. RESULTS The research found that singing afforded respite for mothers across four dimensions, allowing for safe spaces, me time, new direction, and immersion. Respite and singing are identified here as strength-based and cultural solutions to wellbeing. No negative effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The article discusses implications for socially-mediated healthcare in culturally diverse contexts. The idea of "song" enables access to a space of sanctuary wherein health inequities can be tackled in meaningful and decolonising ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charulatha Mani
- School of Creative Arts and Media, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
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Perkins R, Mason-Bertrand A, Fancourt D, Baxter L, Williamon A. How Participatory Music Engagement Supports Mental Well-being: A Meta-Ethnography. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:1924-1940. [PMID: 32755294 PMCID: PMC7502980 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320944142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Participatory music engagement has the capacity to support well-being. Yet, there is little research that has scrutinized the processes through which music has an effect. In this meta-ethnography [PROSPERO CRD42019130164], we conducted a systematic search of 19 electronic databases and a critical appraisal to identify 46 qualitative studies reporting on participants' subjective views of how participatory music engagement supports their mental well-being. Synthesis of first-order and second-order interpretations using thematic coding resulted in four third-order pathways that account for how participatory music engagement supports mental well-being: managing and expressing emotions, facilitating self-development, providing respite, and facilitating connections. Our interpretation suggests that people benefit from participatory music engagement by engaging with specific and multiple processes that meet their individual needs and circumstances. These findings inform research directions within the field of music and well-being, as well as guiding the development and delivery of future music interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Perkins
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Royal College of Music, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Williamon
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Royal College of Music, London, United Kingdom
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Fancourt D, Warran K, Finn S, Wiseman T. Psychosocial singing interventions for the mental health and well-being of family carers of patients with cancer: results from a longitudinal controlled study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026995. [PMID: 31401592 PMCID: PMC6701813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mental health challenges facing people who care for somebody with cancer are well documented. While many support interventions focus on provision of information or cognitive behavioural therapy, the literature suggests that psychosocial interventions could also be of value, especially given the low social support frequently reported by carers. Singing is a psychosocial activity shown to improve social support, increase positive emotions, and reduce fatigue and stress. This study explored whether weekly group singing can reduce anxiety, depression and well-being in cancer carers over a 6-month period. DESIGN A multisite non-randomised longitudinal controlled study. SETTING The Royal Marsden National Health Service Trust in Greater London. PARTICIPANTS 62 adults who currently care for a spouse, relative or close friend with cancer who had not recently started any psychological therapy or medication. INTERVENTIONS On enrolment, participants selected to join a weekly community choir for 12 weeks (n=33) or continue with life as usual (n=29). OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was mental health using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The secondary outcome was well-being using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Using linear mixed effects models, we compared the change in mental health and well-being over time between the two groups while adjusting for confounding variables including demographics, health-related variables, musical engagement and length of time caring. RESULTS Participants in the choir group showed a significantly greater decrease in anxiety over time than participants in the control group (B=-0.94, SE=0.38, p=0.013) and a significantly greater increase in well-being (B=1.25, SE=0.49, p=0.011). No changes were found for depression. Sub-group analyses showed carers with anxiety or below-average well-being were most likely to benefit. CONCLUSIONS This study builds on previous research showing the mental health benefits of singing for people with cancer by showing that weekly singing can also support anxiety and well-being in cancer carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, London, UK
| | - Katey Warran
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | - Saoirse Finn
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | - Theresa Wiseman
- Applied Health Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Fancourt D, Finn S, Warran K, Wiseman T. Group singing in bereavement: effects on mental health, self-efficacy, self-esteem and well-being. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 12:e607-e615. [PMID: 31243022 PMCID: PMC9510390 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Bereavement is associated with negative affective, cognitive, behavioural and physiological responses. However, factors, such as coping, self-efficacy and self-esteem, can buffer negative effects of grief, and can be increased through mutual support interventions, such as shared leisure activities. This study used a non-randomised controlled design to explore the effects of group choir singing on mental health among people who have been bereaved due to cancer. Methods A total of 58 adults bereaved in the last 5 years who had not started psychological therapy in the last 12 weeks or medication for anxiety or depression in the last month were recruited and elected to join a choir (n=29) or participate in the non-intervention control group (n=29). Joining a choir involved engaging in 90 min weekly singing and social sessions for 12 weeks with a post-intervention assessment at week 24. We used linear mixed effects models adjusted for demographics, health-related variables, musical engagement and time since bereavement to model changes over time between the two groups in symptoms of anxiety, depression, well-being, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Results Participants who sang in a choir had more stable symptoms of depression and levels of well-being, as well as gradual improvements in their sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem over the 24 weeks. In contrast, those in the control group showed gradual increases in depressive symptoms, reductions in levels of well-being and self-esteem and no improvement in their self-efficacy. These results were independent of all covariates. Conclusions Weekly group singing could be a promising mutual support intervention for people experiencing grief. Trial registration number NCT02756780.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Saoirse Finn
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | - Katey Warran
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | - Theresa Wiseman
- Applied Health Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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