Abstract
Background: Evidence has shown that survivors of pediatric brain tumors have more negative psychological sequela, particularly depression, than do survivors of other childhood cancers. This study examined the efficacy of a musical training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self-esteem and quality of life in Hong Kong Chinese pediatric brain tumor survivors. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial, two-group pretest and repeated posttest, between-subjects design was conducted to 60 pediatric brain tumor survivors (8-5 years old). Participants in the experimental group received a weekly 45-min lesson on musical training for 52 weeks. Participants in the control group received a placebo intervention. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were self-esteem and quality of life at 12 months. Data were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months after the intervention began. Results: Participants in the experimental group reported statistically significant fewer depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), higher levels of self-esteem (P < 0.001), and better quality of life (P < 0.001) than the control group at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that musical training is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self-esteem and quality of life in Hong Kong Chinese pediatric brain tumor survivors. These results indicate that musical training is not only a leisure activity but also carries therapeutic effects in promoting psychological well-being and quality of life in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 174-180 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Psycho-Oncology |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- brain tumors
- cancer
- childhood cancer survivors
- depressive symptoms
- oncology
- quality of life
- self-esteem
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Oncology
- Psychiatry and Mental health