The Effectiveness of Group Music Psychotherapy in Improving the Self-Concept of Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Several studies have investigated the psychosocial impact of breast cancer, however, there is a paucity of research examining interventions geared towards breast cancer survivors. This study investigated the effects of group music psychotherapy on improving the self-concept of breast cancer survivors. Eleven breast cancer survivors where randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups - group music psychotherapy or a cognitive behavioral based support group. Pre and post intervention comparisons were made using the Body Image After Breast Cancer Scale and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale on measures of identity, role performance, self-esteem, and body image. After ten weeks, results from the Wilcoxon U test indicated participants in the music psychotherapy group significantly improved on measures on identity, family role relationships, self-esteem, and body image. Furthermore, as compared to participants in the cognitive behavioral support group, participants in group music psychotherapy improved on measures of identity, role relationships, and body image. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.