The Benefit of Music for the Reduction of Stress and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Elective Cosmetic Surgery

Authors

  • Joanna DeMarco MS, CHES
  • Jeffrey L. Alexander PhD, FAACVPR
  • Guy Nehrenz EdD, MA, RRT
  • Lisa Gallagher MA, MT-BC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v4i1.389

Abstract

Stress and anxiety are common responses to illness, hospitalization, and surgery. Increased stress and anxiety during a surgical procedure or recovery can negatively impact health outcomes, leading to longer surgical and recovery times and complications. It is believed that music implementation in the perioperative environment can reduce the stress and anxiety levels of patients. Twenty-six patients electing to have cosmetic surgery participated in this study. Fourteen were provided with preselected music during their preoperative period while 12 were not. Patients receiving the music reported 18% (P 1⁄4 0.002) less anxiety after the intervention. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded as physiological measures of stress but no significant changes were found. Results suggest that patients waiting for surgery benefit emotionally from hearing music. This low-cost, complementary therapy has the potential to improve the experience and outcomes of patients electing to have cosmetic surgery.

Author Biographies

Joanna DeMarco, MS, CHES

Joanna DeMarco, MS, CHES, is a project manager and health educator at Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, OH, and a doctoral student at A.T. Still University.

Jeffrey L. Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR

Jeffrey L. Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR, is an associate professor in the Doctor of Health Sciences Program at A.T. Still University.

Guy Nehrenz, EdD, MA, RRT

Guy Nehrenz, EdD, MA, RRT, is an executive associate dean and professor, College of Allied Health and Nursing, Nova Southeastern University.

Lisa Gallagher, MA, MT-BC

Lisa Gallagher, MA, MT-BC, is the music therapy program manager for the Arts & Medicine Institute of the Cleveland Clinic.

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Full Length Articles