Impact of Music Therapy on Depressive Symptoms of People Living in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review
Open Access
- Author:
- Conti, Jessica
- Area of Honors:
- Nursing
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Diane E Berish, Thesis Supervisor
Susan Jayne Loeb, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- depression
depressive symptoms
depressive disorder
music therapy
music intervention
nursing home - Abstract:
- BACKGROUND: While depression is common among the older population, it is not something that is easily diagnosed or treated. Primary treatment for depression includes pharmacological treatment, however, there are many non-pharmacological treatments such as music therapy that can be implemented to help depression. The research surrounding music therapy on depression can provide insight to people who are in nursing homes that exhibit depression. PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of music therapy on nursing home residents with depression. DESIGN AND METHODS: The literature search was conducted using online databases, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO by applying the key terms (“depression” OR “depressive symptoms” OR “depressive disorder”) AND (“music therapy OR music intervention”) AND (“nursing home”). The search was limited to articles published between 2013 and 2021 to include the most recent studies and focused on older adult populations. Ten articles were selected to be included in this systematic review. RESULTS: Current evidence suggests that music therapy can help reduce depressive symptoms in older adults that reside in nursing homes. DISCUSSION: It is important for future nurses to identify the options for nonpharmacological treatment such as music therapy when warranted. Music therapy offers a number of benefits and the results from this systematic review suggest that music could be implemented as a complimentary therapy. People who are in nursing homes specifically may be at increased risk of experiencing depression or depressive symptoms. Healthcare professionals can use the information from this systematic review to further develop and establish a safe individualized plan of care for their patients. Exploring nonpharmacological options, specifically, music therapy in settings like nursing homes can promote health and better manage depression.