This mixed-studies systematic review examined how self-administered music interventions (SAMIs) influenced psychological wellbeing for people with chronic health conditions.
We searched 7 databases and performed citation and reference checks to find studies that implemented SAMIs for psychological outcomes in adults with chronic health conditions published between January 1990 and March 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using Downs and Black's quality assessment checklist criteria. Data were synthesised using meta-analysis and narrative summary.
We included 21 articles (934 participants). Meta-analyses demonstrated significant effects of SAMIs on outcomes measuring post-test (SMD = 0.72) and long-term depression (SMD = 0.51), post-test generic (SMD = 0.55) and disease-specific (SMD = 0.56) psychological quality of life, and post-test mood disturbance (SMD = 0.64). A small effect suggested that SAMIs with multiple in-person sessions guided by a music therapist may reduce anxiety (SMD = 0.37) CONCLUSION: SAMIs may improve psychological wellbeing in people with chronic health conditions. Long-term benefits of SAMIs have been recognised for the depression outcome.
Encouraging people with chronic health conditions to self-administer music interventions may provide benefits to their psychological wellbeing.

A mixed-studies systematic review of self-administered music interventions (SAMIs) for psychological wellbeing in people with chronic health conditions: Meta-analysis and narrative summary.

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