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Art, Play, and Music Interventions for Improving Physical and Mental Health in Children with Cancer: Narrative Review
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Leila Mohammadifard   |
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Abstract: (14 Views) |
Abstract
Introduction: Children with cancer face numerous physical and psychological challenges. Art-based interventions have garnered attention as non-pharmacological approaches to improve the physical and mental health of these children. The present study aimed to review the impact of art, play, and music interventions on enhancing the physical and mental well-being of children with cancer.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a targeted search in Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases, utilizing keywords such as "neoplasms," "child," "art therapy," and their English equivalents. All full-text articles in both Persian and English, published between 2000 and 2024, were examined. An initial search yielded 873 articles, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 articles were ultimately included in the study.
Result: These studies collectively involved 1,273 children and adolescents aged 2.5 to 18 years. Positive and significant effects were reported in 22 out of 24 studies (91.7%). The most common finding was a reduction in anxiety. Drawing therapy was more effective in improving mood, happiness, and self-acceptance, play therapy in reducing pain and increasing hope (especially in younger children), and music therapy in controlling pain, nausea, and physical symptoms during invasive procedures.
Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that these three interventions can serve as safe, cost-effective, and engaging complementary methods for improving the physical and mental health of children with cancer. Given the methodological limitations of the studies, further rigorous research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is necessary.
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| Keywords: Neoplasms, Child, Art therapy, Music therapy, Play therapy, Quality of life, Anxiety |
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Full-Text [DOCX 109 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/14 | Published: 2026/07/23
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