The Impact of Music Therapy on Emotional Well-being in Elderly Care Residents

Thesis Abstract

The psychological and emotional well-being of elderly residents in care facilities remains a critical concern amid increasing aging populations worldwide, with evidence suggesting that social isolation, cognitive decline, and physical health challenges significantly impair quality of life. Functional limitations and chronic conditions often contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, underscoring the urgent need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions to promote emotional resilience among this demographic. This study aims to empirically evaluate the impact of structured music therapy on enhancing emotional well-being in elderly care residents, with specific objectives to assess changes in mood states, levels of depression and anxiety, and overall life satisfaction attributable to music therapy interventions. Employing a quasi-experimental research design, the study was conducted within three assisted living facilities, encompassing a calculated sample of 150 residents aged 65 and above who meet inclusion criteria such as cognitive ability to participate and consent capacity. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly allocated into an experimental group receiving bi-weekly, instrumentally based music therapy sessions over a twelve-week period, and a control group engaging in standard recreational activities. Data collection involved the use of standardized instruments, including the Geriatric Depression Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire, administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. To enhance validity, instruments were validated through pilot testing with a similar demographic, and reliability was confirmed via Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding 0.85. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software, employing descriptive statistics to summarize demographic variables and repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate differences in emotional well-being across time points within and between groups. Additionally, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors and mediating factors influencing emotional outcomes, grounded in the biopsychosocial model and the Dual Process Theory of emotional regulation. The study anticipated that residents exposed to music therapy would demonstrate statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores, alongside increases in life satisfaction, compared to the control group, with effects sustained at follow-up. The findings are expected to contribute novel empirical evidence supporting the integration of music therapy into holistic elderly care programs, particularly emphasizing its efficacy as a cost-effective, accessible, and culturally adaptable intervention to foster emotional resilience. By elucidating the mechanisms through which music influences psychological states, this research aims to extend theoretical understanding within the fields of music therapy and gerontology, addressing existing gaps related to long-term effects and contextual variability of therapeutic outcomes. The study will highlight crucial factors such as musical genres, session frequency, and individual differences that modulate therapeutic efficacy, offering a nuanced perspective for practitioners and policymakers. The research concludes that music therapy significantly enhances emotional well-being among elderly residents, reducing depression and anxiety while improving life satisfaction and overall psychological health. Based on these findings, it is recommended that elderly care facilities incorporate regular, tailored music therapy sessions into their care regimens, alongside staff training to optimize implementation. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts over extended periods, cross-cultural comparisons, and the integration of technology-based music interventions to broaden applicability and maximize therapeutic benefits across diverse elderly populations.