The healing power of music: a mixed-methods study on stress reduction in paediatric hospitalisation

Hospitalisation is a potentially distressing experience for children and their families, often accompanied by emotional, psychological, and physical discomfort. Humanised care through complementary and integrative health practices (CIHP), such as music-based interventions (MBIs), has demonstrated beneficial effects in specific paediatric populations. However, evidence in general paediatric hospital settings remains limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of an MBI on perceived stress and the subjective experience of hospitalisation among paediatric patients and their caregivers. It was a quasi-experimental study, cross-sectional, with a mixed-methods approach, conducted in a paediatric ward of a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of São Paulo. The study carried out in two phases: (I) a quantitative evaluation of perceived stress using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the intervention; and (II) a qualitative analysis of caregivers’ perceptions through semi-structured interviews. The intervention included 20–40 min of live music using string instruments (kantele or lyre), complemented by age-appropriate singing and spoken word. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon test; qualitative data underwent content analysis and lexical analysis via IRAMUTEQ software. A total of 125 children (mean age: 30.6 months) and their caregivers participated in Phase I. On a scale from 0 to 10, the mean stress score decreased by 2.18 points among children/adolescents and by 1.45 points among caregivers, with the reduction being significant for both (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.0). All participants approved the intervention, and 74.4% reported behavioural improvements in the children. Phase II included 30 interviews, which revealed overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the intervention. Caregivers described the hospital environment as stressful and isolating but reported that the MBI provided relaxation, comfort, and emotional relief for both children and themselves. The findings highlight the potential of MBIs as an effective, safe and non-pharmacological strategy to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being for paediatric patients and their families. Incorporating music-based practices into routine paediatric care may foster more welcoming, humanised environments that address the emotional needs of children and caregivers.