Corazón: The Influence of Music Therapy on Stress Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Latino Women

 

The Arts and Quality of Life Research Center received a $50,000 Provost Seed Grant to conduct a study that examines the effects of a specially designed music therapy program on stress, emotions, quality of life and lifestyle of Latino women.  This study represents a collaborative effort between music therapy and medical faculty as well as Temple University's Center for Excellence on Women’s Health, Research, Leadership and Advocacy. Drs. Cheryl Dileo (Professor of Music Therapy and Director of the Arts and Quality of Life Research Center), Sally Rosen (Associate Dean, Medical School and Director of the Center for Excellence on Women's Heath, Research, Leadership, and Advocacy), and Ellen Tedaldi (Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the HIV Program) serve as principle investigators.

In this randomized controlled trial, participants participated in 8, 90-minute music therapy sessions, held once a week over an 8-week period. Music therapy approaches used include: culturally-relevant, music-based stress-reduction approaches, group song-writing wherein song lyrics are created to instill positive health messages, music improvisation for emotional expression and singing to affirm spiritual beliefs. Strategies for making healthy lifestyle choices were emphasized throughout the music experiences. Subjects also developed personal healthy lifestyle plans. This study included the following outcomes: self-reported anxiety, mood, stress, health status, health behavior, and quality of life. Study results indicated statistically significant improvements in mood, stress, and quality of life in the music therapy group compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for anxiety and health status.