Music therapy as group singing improves Geriatric Depression Scale score and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric adults with mild depression: A randomized controlled study

ims: This study was conducted with an aim to evaluate the effect of group music therapy in the form of group singing, led by a music therapist, on depressive symptoms and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric individuals having mild depression. Settings and Design: The study was conducted as a randomized control trial at St. Mary's Home for the aged, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted as a randomized control trial. Subjects and Methods: The experiment group (n = 40) received daily music therapy in the form of group singing lead by a music therapist for 3 weeks. The control group (n = 40) did not receive any specific intervention. Baseline and weekly Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) and UCLA Loneliness Scale scores were recorded in both groups. Statistical Analysis Used : Measures of Central Tendency, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon W value. Results: Statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) was seen in both the scores at the end of 3 weeks in the experiment group as compared to the control group. On intragroup comparison, both scores showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the experiment group at the end of 3 weeks as compared to baseline but not in the control group. No adverse event was reported. Conclusions: Group singing significantly improves GDS-SF scores and loneliness in institutionalized geriatric adults having mild depression at the end of 3 weeks. Further research in this area is desirable which could contribute to the well-being of the aged population.