An experimental investigation of the effects of preferred and relaxing music listening on pain perception.

Full Abstract

This study investigates the effects of music listening on perception and tolerance of experimentally induced cold pressor pain. Fifty-four participants (34 females, 20 males) each underwent 3 cold pressor trials while listening to (a) white noise, (b) specially designed relaxation music, and (c) their own chosen music. Tolerance time, pain intensity on visual analog scale, and the pain rating index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire and perceived control over the pain were measured in each condition. While listening to their own preferred music, male and female participants tolerated the painful stimulus significantly longer than during both the relaxation music and control conditions. However, only female participants rated the intensity of the pain as significantly lower in the preferred music condition. Both male and female participants reported feeling significantly more control when listening to their preferred music. It is suggested that personal preference is an influential factor when considering the efficacy of music listening for pain relief.

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Author information

Author/s: Mitchell, Laura A (LA); MacDonald, Raymond A R (RA);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Gasgow, UK. l.b.mitchell(-atsign-)gcal.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of music therapy (J Music Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 43 (issue 4) : pp 295-316

Dates: Created 2007/03/12; Completed 2007/07/12; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 17348757, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Cold Temperature
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged

Music Therapy - methods
Pain - etiology; prevention & control
Pain Measurement
Pain Threshold - psychology
Psychometrics
Treatment Outcome

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