Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Depressive Symptoms among Elderly in Selected Geriatric Homes

Abstract

A Quasi experimental approach was used for this study. Objectives are to assess the level of depressive symptoms, effectiveness of music therapy, association between the level of depressive symptoms of elderly with selected demographic variables. The study was carried out Clare Bhavan and Swandanam Geriatric homes at Kannur. The sample comprised of 30 elderly people. Sample was selected by using convenient sampling technique. A total of 30 elderly people with depressive symptoms selected for the study by using geriatric depression scale the selected samples were given pre test questionnaire the music therapy was administered to all group members for 30 minutes and instructed to continue this for a period of 15 days. Post-test using geriatric depression scale was conducted 15 days after the administration of music therapy. The result of the study shows that the post-test mean score 8.6667 (SD =1.64701) was less than the pre-test mean score 19 (SD = 2.49136), the obtained mean difference between pre test and post test score is 10.3333. the obtained t value is 23.062 so it is significant at 0.01 level. It was inferred that elderly people with depressive symptoms after music therapy had significant decrease in post-test score. Therefore, the music therapy was effective in reducing the depressive symptoms among elderly and also there was no significant association with the level of depressive symptoms and selected demographic variables.