Title | Tuning in to recovery: influence of music on emotional well-being during mealtime in inpatient facilities for eating disorders. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2024 |
Authors | Meneguzzo P, Baron E, Marchesin S, Andretta AMaria, Nalesso L, Stella S, Todisco P |
Journal | J Eat Disord |
Volume | 12 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 7 |
Date Published | 2024 Jan 15 |
ISSN | 2050-2974 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: In rehabilitating eating disorders (ED), mealtimes are critical but often induce stress, both for restrictive and binge-purge disorders. Although preliminary data indicate a positive effect of music during mealtime, few studies employ an experimental approach. This study examines the influence of background music during mealtime in an inpatient ward setting, offering a real-world perspective. METHODS: Fifty-one women diagnosed with ED participated in this within-subjects study. Over two weeks, during lunch and dinner, they were exposed to three randomized music conditions: no music, focus piano music, and pop music. The self-report questionnaires captured affective states, noise levels, and hunger, while trained dietitians recorded food consumption and eating rituals. RESULTS: The absence of music led to an increase in uneaten food (p = 0.001) and the presence of eating rituals (p = 0.012) during mealtimes. Significantly, only silence during mealtime reduced positive emotional states, while background music maintained positive emotions (p < 0.001). No specific differences emerged between the two types of music (focus piano and pop). CONCLUSIONS: These findings affirm the positive impact of background music during mealtime in real-world settings, enhancing the potential of inpatient eating rehabilitation programs for individuals with ED. More studies are needed to validate and extend these results, particularly in outpatient settings. |
DOI | 10.1186/s40337-024-00970-9 |
Alternate Journal | J Eat Disord |
PubMed ID | 38225626 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC10789025 |