Sijun Wu

Passionate Music Therapy with great research and learning skills. Organized and driven with impressive history of excelling in high-pressure environments. Skilled at applying various learning methods and tools to optimize experience and academic journey. Focus on Music Therapy with passion for professional development.

Research Proposal: Application of Songwriting Music Therapy in End-of-life Patients with Lung Cancer (Presented 25 Oct 2023, submitted for examination 16 Oct 2023)

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all malignancies and is often detected at a terminal stage (Lung Cancer, 2023). Hospice care encompasses comprehensive and compassionate strategies that address the complex needs of terminally ill patients. Existing research suggests that the connection between death and creativity has profound psychological significance, whether as a channel for emotional healing, conveying important messages, or building a personal legacy. The uniqueness and flexibility of songwriting in music therapy and the emotional depth it brings are immeasurable.

Purpose: This study explores the positive effects of songwriting music therapy on mood, breathing, and pain in end-of-life lung cancer patients.

Methods: This study will be conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A pretest and posttest experiment will be shown in the palliative care ward of the hospital, with ten patients whom doctors assess as being in the end-of-life stage and determined to have the ability to communicate and write. In addition to the basic pretest and posttest interviews, participants will self-test using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). After the pre-test, the participants will undergo a one-hour songwriting music therapy under the guidance of a registered music therapist (RMT) and then take a post-test to confirm that songwriting music therapy can improve the patient's emotions, physiology, breathing and self-esteem.

Results: According to the results of this study, we will find from the comparison of interviews and scales that patients' depression, anxiety, and stress data are significantly reduced after songwriting music therapy, which shows that this approach will offer a positive impact on patients, to reduce pain, adjust/regulate breathing, and bring self-esteem and confidence. Through this study, we aim to draw attention to dying patients from all walks of life and advocate that relevant professionals can effectively provide patients with effective and positive interventions.

Florist  10/2021 to 06/2022