The Effects of Single-Session Music Therapy Interventions in Comparison with a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Mood with Adult Psychiatric Inpatients in an Acute-Care Setting: A Quasi-Experimental Trial

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the effects of single-session music therapy interventions versus a cognitive-behavioral intervention on mood among adult psychiatric inpatients in an acute setting. Forty-two participants attended either an Active Music Group (AMG: n = 14), Receptive Music Group (RMG: n = 14), or Cognitive Behavioral Group (CBT: n = 14). Positive and negative mood indices were assessed pre- and posttest, and a self-reported open-ended questionnaire was included in the posttest. All groups experienced improvement in mood; however, participants in the RMG showed greater changes in the two primary dimensions of mood-positive and negative affect-than the other groups. Mood indices "Proud" and "Excited" made significant contributions to the mood changes observed in music therapy groups. Findings suggest that a receptive music therapy intervention has advantages over both active music therapy and CBT interventions in improving mood within a single session.