AN EXAMINATION OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSIC THERAPY AND TALK THERAPY ON INTIMACY IN A FAMILY-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP AT THE END-OF-LIFE

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine differences between music therapy and talk therapy on intimacy in a family-patient relationship at the end-of-life. To determine differences between music therapy and talk therapy, the researcher measured frequency of ten hospice family caregivers’ intimacy acts, as indicated by (a) verbal intimacy, (b) affective intimacy, and (c) physical intimacy. Results showed no significant differences in verbal intimacy actions of family caregivers towards a dying loved one when comparing music therapy with talk therapy. Significant differences were found in affective intimacy and physical intimacy between the treatments. Music therapy resulted in significantly higher affective intimacy, and physical intimacy measures, when compared to talk therapy. Music therapy may be an effective therapeutic modality for family caregivers of dying patients to increase emotional and physical intimacy in a family-patient relationship at the end-of-life.