Music Playlists for Grief
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how creating a music playlist can aid in processing grief after losing a spouse or life partner. Participants first take a survey about their use of music, then engage in a conversation to identify themes in their grief, and finally create a personal playlist. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, participants complete another survey after making their playlist. This trial is open to members of HopeHealth's Grief Support group who have access to a streaming device and have not previously tried music therapy for grief. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore personal healing through music.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on music and grief support, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should check with the trial organizers to be sure.
What prior data suggests that this music-based intervention is safe for individuals in grief?
Research shows that music therapy is generally safe and can assist those dealing with grief. Studies have found that listening to personalized music can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Creating a music playlist might ease emotional pain without any risk.
No reports indicate negative effects from making playlists. This simple activity involves no medical procedures or drugs. Participants engage in conversation and select music, which is safe and easy.
In summary, making a music playlist appears to be a safe and helpful way to cope with grief. It allows individuals to express their feelings and reflect on their loss through music, which can be comforting.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using musical playlists for grief because this approach offers a deeply personalized and creative way to process emotions. Unlike traditional treatments like therapy or medication, this method empowers individuals to actively engage with their grief through music, which can be both therapeutic and meaningful. By allowing participants to create playlists that resonate with their personal experiences and emotions, this technique taps into the emotional power of music, potentially providing comfort and healing in a unique and accessible way.
What evidence suggests that creating a musical playlist is effective for grief?
Research shows that music can be a powerful tool for coping with grief. One study found that 94% of people dealing with loss used music to feel connected to their loved ones and manage their grief. Another study demonstrated that music therapy can aid recovery from emotional trauma by easing pain. In palliative care settings, using music to remember loved ones has also proven helpful. Additionally, singing in groups has been linked to better mental health and higher self-esteem during times of loss. These findings suggest that creating a music playlist, as participants in this trial will do, might effectively process grief.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Deanna Church
Principal Investigator
HopeHealth
Diana A Wang, BA
Principal Investigator
Brown University
Fred J Schiffman, MD
Principal Investigator
Brown University
Sarah DeCosta, LMHC
Principal Investigator
HopeHealth
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for members of HopeHealth's Spouse/Life Partner Grief Support group who can hear well enough to enjoy music. They need a device that can play music from services like YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify and must be able to complete surveys in English.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Pre-assessment
Participants complete a pre-assessment survey about the role of music in their life and grief
Music Playlist Creation
Participants engage in a 75-minute Zoom session to discuss their grief journey and create a personalized music playlist
Post-assessment
Participants complete a post-assessment survey reflecting on the playlist creation experience
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in the importance of music and its impact on mental health and well-being
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Musical Playlist
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brown University
Lead Sponsor
The Miriam Hospital
Collaborator