Evaluating the use of music therapy to address anxiety and self-efficacy for women undergoing fertility treatments

Περίληψη

The use of music therapy to address anxiety and self-efficacy for women undergoing fertility treatments remains largely underexplored. Women experiencing fertility issues are known to experience psychological distress due to feelings of inadequacy, loss of identity, social stigma, and invasive medical procedures with uncertain outcomes. Growing evidence confirms the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and mind/body approaches in managing infertility-related distress. Music therapy in the mental health context is generally embedded in positive psychology and focuses on strengthening positive resources to improve quality of life. Five participants attended two music therapy sessions as part of this mixed-methods feasibility study. Validated questionnaires were employed to measure the primary outcomes of state anxiety and self-efficacy before and after the music therapy intervention. It was found that the music therapy intervention significantly decreased state anxiety and improved self-efficacy in maintaining a positive attitude and reducing stress. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data suggested music therapy was an enjoyable intervention that facilitated emotional self-expression and connection between participants and equipped participants with new resources for self management of anxiety. Outcomes of this mixed method study verify the feasibility and acceptability of using music therapy in this clinical context.

Keywords: music therapy; infertility; anxiety; assisted reproductive technology; fertilization in vitro